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ISSN 2632-8224 Est. 1992<br />
McCarty & Smith<br />
<strong>May</strong> / <strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> Issue No: 191<br />
FREE<br />
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INSIDE: Eastwood Green • WOADS returns • Jumble trail • Mapping South Woodford<br />
Community groups • Local events • Useful numbers • Directory of local businesses<br />
Independent directory of businesses, news and events in and around South Woodford
2<br />
WOODTHORPE<br />
JOINERY<br />
your local supplier of wooden shutters and blinds<br />
Wanstead • London • T: 0203 589 4879<br />
E: info@wjoinery.co.uk • www.wjoinery.co.uk<br />
Light<br />
South Woodford<br />
|<br />
Village<br />
Shade<br />
Gazette<br />
Privacy Light | Shade | Style<br />
Privacy | Style<br />
FITTED WARDROBES<br />
ALSO AVAILABLE<br />
Celebrating 13 Years<br />
as your local supplier of window shutters<br />
WOODTHORPE<br />
WOODTHORPE<br />
JOINERY<br />
your local supplier<br />
JOINERY<br />
of wooden shutters and blinds<br />
your local supplier of wooden shutters and blinds<br />
Wanstead • London • T: 0203 589 4879<br />
E: Wanstead info@wjoinery.co.uk • London • • T: www.wjoinery.co.uk<br />
0203 589 4879<br />
E: info@wjoinery.co.uk • www.wjoinery.co.uk<br />
To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
Contents<br />
Features<br />
By George! 16–17<br />
A smart move 20<br />
Fields of memories24<br />
DD’s 65th Woodford Diary26–27<br />
Time for flexitime 30<br />
Plotting progress 36<br />
Park life40–41<br />
A real gem 44<br />
Behind the wall 46–47<br />
Writing history 50<br />
Puzzles & competitions<br />
Sudoku 18<br />
Crossword competition32<br />
Woodford anagram48<br />
Every issue<br />
Local news6–8 & 10–13<br />
Community events55–58 & 60–61<br />
Community groups 62<br />
Useful numbers64<br />
Index of advertisers66<br />
Contact Us<br />
020 8819 0595<br />
Welcome...<br />
Such a fine sight, to watch a new shoot uncoil,<br />
Sprouting new life from under the soil.<br />
A little a day, reaching higher and higher,<br />
Looking for the sun, a thing of desire.<br />
Spreading wider, the roots set the pace,<br />
Both flourish in tandem and always with grace.<br />
A flower, or two, the bees ready to feed,<br />
And all this comes from one tiny seed.<br />
In South Woodford, there are seeds galore,<br />
Seeds of inspiration, that give so much more.<br />
We see them across our vibrant community,<br />
And as they bloom, they create opportunity.<br />
Opportunity to grow, in all senses of the word,<br />
Opportunity to progress, and for voices to be heard.<br />
These seeds of opportunity exist among us all,<br />
In the minds of those taking action, no matter how small.<br />
From small seeds of inspiration on show,<br />
Mighty good initiatives in the town do grow.<br />
From litter pickers to campaigners, young and old,<br />
A blossoming community is a sight to behold.<br />
For in the heart of every seed,<br />
Lies the potential for a worthy deed.<br />
Like the community gardeners improving the land,<br />
With seeds in mind and seeds in hand.<br />
Unloved patches of South Woodford are in their sights,<br />
These gardening heroes raise our spirits to new heights,<br />
With every seed, there comes a plan,<br />
On George Lane, that’s where it began.<br />
And so it grew and so it grows,<br />
They work so hard, and it clearly shows.<br />
The seeds we sow today, tomorrow will reap,<br />
A harvest of joy, for our community to keep. Lee Marquis, Editor<br />
Calling local residents...<br />
The South Woodford Village Gazette proudly supports local<br />
businesses and we encourage you to do the same. Help us<br />
help these businesses by mentioning the South Woodford<br />
Village Gazette when responding to adverts.<br />
A note to businesses...<br />
If you are a business based in South Woodford, or if you have<br />
a presence in the local community, we can help you get your<br />
message across to our readers. The deadline for inclusion in<br />
the July/August <strong>2024</strong> edition is 14 <strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong>.<br />
info@swvg.co.uk<br />
swvg.co.uk<br />
swvg.co.uk/socials<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
PO Box 2491, Ilford, IG1 8JT<br />
The South Woodford Village Gazette is<br />
published every other month with a<br />
circulation of 12,000 copies. Of these,<br />
11,000 are delivered to homes and<br />
businesses across the local area. The<br />
remaining copies are available from local<br />
shops. Postal subscriptions are available<br />
from swvg.co.uk/subscribe<br />
ISSN 2632-8224<br />
Published by Marquis IT Ltd.<br />
Founded in 1992 by Jack Lamport Mitchell.<br />
Edited from 2004 to 2015 by Ken and Sue Lees.<br />
Marquis IT Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors<br />
or omissions, or endorse companies or products that<br />
appear in this magazine. The views expressed in feature<br />
articles are those of the credited authors and do not<br />
necessarily represent the views of the publisher.<br />
Printed by Premier Print Group, G02 Lock Studios,<br />
7 Corsican Square, London, E3 3YD<br />
©<strong>2024</strong> Marquis IT Ltd All rights reserved. No part of this<br />
publication may be reproduced without prior consent.
4<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
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To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 5<br />
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Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts
6<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
Blossom Day in South Woodford:<br />
a celebration of growth and community<br />
The first annual Blossom<br />
Day celebration took place<br />
at the South Woodford<br />
Community Orchard at<br />
the end of April. “This is<br />
our new annual event<br />
to enjoy the fruit trees,<br />
flowers and buzzing<br />
pollinators. Our team<br />
of fabulous volunteers<br />
celebrated in style with<br />
a hands-on gardening<br />
session. Everything is<br />
growing brilliantly at<br />
the moment, including<br />
the weeds, so most of the session was spent<br />
weeding the central bed where we planted<br />
raspberries a couple of months ago,” said a<br />
spokesperson for the South Woodford Society,<br />
which established the orchard in 2021. And the<br />
site – located on the corner of Primrose Road<br />
Earn £400<br />
per week and<br />
create new<br />
friendships<br />
The Hilse is a tour operator<br />
for teens, organising cultural<br />
exchange programmes in<br />
Wanstead & Woodford.<br />
We are looking for host<br />
families who would like to take<br />
part in this fun experience. We<br />
pay £200 p/w per student.<br />
12 th –25 th <strong>Jun</strong>e / 3 rd –16 th July<br />
Call Anna on WhatsApp 0039 3756 920 821 or<br />
email info@thehilse.co.uk<br />
and Mulberry Way – is set to undergo more<br />
development this summer, with plans to lay<br />
woodchip paths for better access around the<br />
plants. “Our next volunteer day will be held<br />
on 19 <strong>May</strong> from 11am; everyone of all ages is<br />
welcome!” Email e18society@gmail.com<br />
Win tickets to<br />
open-air shows<br />
Open-air theatre<br />
company Illyria<br />
will return to<br />
Wanstead Park this<br />
summer with three<br />
family-friendly<br />
performances.<br />
The new season<br />
begins on 21 July<br />
with Gilbert and<br />
Sullivan’s The<br />
Gondoliers, followed<br />
by The Hound of<br />
the Baskervilles on<br />
13 August and Doctor<br />
Dolittle on 24 August.<br />
The South Woodford<br />
Village Gazette is<br />
offering a pair of<br />
tickets as the prize for<br />
this issue’s crossword<br />
competition. Visit<br />
swvg.co.uk/wp24<br />
Free parking<br />
with RingGo app<br />
With pay and display<br />
parking machines no<br />
longer operational<br />
across Redbridge,<br />
drivers are reminded<br />
that free parking<br />
is still available via<br />
the RingGo app.<br />
Users should check<br />
their app settings<br />
to ensure SMS<br />
reminders are turned<br />
off, otherwise RingGo<br />
will charge 15p to<br />
confirm a booking<br />
by text message<br />
and another 15p for<br />
an expiry reminder<br />
message. A new<br />
PayPoint service has<br />
also been introduced<br />
as an alternative way<br />
to pay for parking.<br />
To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 7<br />
National Garden Scheme: visit a local<br />
garden or open your own<br />
Inspection and maintenance work<br />
on George Lane Viaduct<br />
The garden of 83 Cowslip<br />
Road will be open on 7 July<br />
A number of local residents will be opening<br />
their gardens to the public this summer as<br />
part of the National Garden Scheme. “Please<br />
continue to visit the open gardens, not only<br />
locally but all over London. The library has a<br />
supply of booklets that detail locations and<br />
dates… I am also keen to hear from more<br />
people across Wanstead and Woodford who<br />
would like to open their garden next year,”<br />
said Teresa Farnham, a local organiser for the<br />
scheme, which raised over £3m for nursing<br />
charities last year. Visit swvg.co.uk/ngs24<br />
Dave ‘The Running Telephone’<br />
completes 25th London Marathon<br />
A Principal Inspection is to be carried out<br />
on the George Lane Viaduct as part of<br />
Redbridge Council’s structures inspection and<br />
maintenance programme. It will follow work<br />
to replace the expansion joints on the bridge,<br />
which began in April. “We are continuing<br />
at pace with the works and are aiming to<br />
finish ahead of schedule. We will update the<br />
parking suspension signage once contractors<br />
complete a full side of the joint renewals. This<br />
will allow some parking on The Viaduct whilst<br />
the work continues,” said a spokesperson.<br />
Decorating<br />
spaces<br />
INTERIOR<br />
DECORATING<br />
FURNITURE<br />
PAINTING<br />
A Woodford Green resident completed his<br />
25th consecutive London Marathon in April,<br />
raising money for Samaritans while dressed in<br />
his iconic running telephone costume. “Every<br />
step I take and pound raised could help train<br />
more volunteers, answer more calls for help<br />
and, ultimately, save lives,” said Dave Lock,<br />
who lost his brother Steven to suicide last<br />
year. The veteran runner – who completed the<br />
26.2-mile course with his daughter Isabella in<br />
seven hours and 26 minutes – has raised over<br />
£50,000 for the charity. Visit swvg.co.uk/lock<br />
SENIOR CITIZEN<br />
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LANDLORDS<br />
VETTED BY AGE UK & CHECKATRADE<br />
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Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts
8<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
New parking payment service across<br />
Redbridge accepts cash<br />
Local pupil awarded prestigious<br />
choristership at King’s College School<br />
Drivers can now use PayPoint locations to<br />
pay for parking in Redbridge. “The PayPoint<br />
scheme gives people the opportunity to<br />
pay for a range of goods and services at<br />
local retailers signed up as a PayPoint site.<br />
More than 100 sites already exist across the<br />
borough, and since the start of March, they<br />
have been activated to accept payment for<br />
parking, including by cash,” said a council<br />
spokesperson. The PayPoint scheme is offered<br />
in addition to the existing RingGo parking<br />
payment service. Visit swvg.co.uk/paypoint<br />
A Year 4 pupil and talented singer from<br />
Churchfields <strong>Jun</strong>ior School has been awarded<br />
a prestigious choristership at King’s College<br />
School, Cambridge. Shashank Shivram<br />
Raghavendran has been learning music since<br />
the age of four, playing piano, violin and<br />
guitar. As a member of the London Youth<br />
Choirs, the eight-year-old has also performed<br />
at eminent venues, including the Royal Albert<br />
Hall and Royal Festival Hall. Shashank will take<br />
up his position as a chorister at King’s College<br />
School in September.<br />
Concerns over end-of-life care at<br />
new Whipps Cross Hospital<br />
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Barts Health Trust has raised doubts over the<br />
continuation of bed-based end-of-life care<br />
facilities in the new Whipps Cross Hospital.<br />
“At this time, the analysis of data does not<br />
support re-providing the current bed-based<br />
services of the Margaret Centre in the new<br />
facility.” The statement also highlights that it<br />
is “too soon to make firm recommendations”<br />
and a decision on the Margaret Centre’s future<br />
is pending. The first phase of construction<br />
of the new hospital is expected to begin this<br />
summer. Visit swvg.co.uk/mcfuture<br />
To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 9<br />
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Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts
10<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
Paganism expert to probe views on<br />
human remains in local lecture<br />
WOADS returns with an evening of<br />
laughter to mark centenary<br />
A leading authority on ancient and medieval<br />
paganism will be discussing attitudes<br />
towards human remains at the West Essex<br />
Archaeological Group’s free public lecture<br />
on 13 <strong>May</strong>. “Traditionally, one of the most<br />
consecrated kinds of space is a grave…<br />
However, the contents of graves also<br />
represent one of the most valuable sources of<br />
information concerning ancient societies,” said<br />
Professor Ronald Hutton, whose presentation<br />
at Woodford Country High School is titled<br />
‘How Sacred are the Dead?’ Visit weag.org.uk<br />
A 100-year-old local amateur dramatics<br />
company is making a comeback this <strong>May</strong>.<br />
Members of the Woodford Operatic and<br />
Dramatic Society (WOADS), which has been<br />
dormant since 2015, will take to the stage at<br />
Redbridge Drama Centre for a series of oneact<br />
plays and monologues entitled Laughter<br />
in One Act (or less!), performed over three days<br />
from 17 <strong>May</strong>. “We are excited to be back just<br />
in time for our 100th birthday. Join us for an<br />
evening that will delight and amuse!” said a<br />
spokesperson. Visit swvg.co.uk/woads<br />
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To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 11<br />
2 HOUR<br />
FIVE TOURS A WEEK<br />
SUN AT 12 NOON<br />
MON AT 1PM & 6PM<br />
WED AT 1PM<br />
FRI AT 1PM<br />
TICKETS: £20<br />
MEET 15 MINS BEFORE START AT<br />
LE PARISIEN CAFE<br />
LEYTONSTONE, E11 1HE<br />
To book a tour or talk on the early life<br />
of Hitch with a local historian, contact<br />
Gary Lewis on 07793 817 759 or email<br />
hitchcocktalksandtours@gmail.com or visit our<br />
website: hitchcock-talks-and-tours.com<br />
TfL agrees to review impact of<br />
changes to local bus routes<br />
Join the South Woodford jumble<br />
trail in aid of Haven House<br />
© Geoff Wilkinson<br />
Redbridge Council’s External Scrutiny<br />
Committee met with TfL recently in light of<br />
planned changes to local bus routes. “We<br />
raised several concerns, including the impact<br />
of a reduced service to the Nightingale Estate<br />
and the new W14 not stopping inside Whipps<br />
Cross. TfL acknowledged the issues but<br />
reiterated points in the consultation response.<br />
We did manage to secure a commitment to<br />
review the impact after a year,” said Councillor<br />
Daniel Morgan-Thomas. The new routes take<br />
effect from September. Visit swvg.co.uk/bus<br />
A jumble trail in aid of Haven House Children’s<br />
Hospice will take place across South<br />
Woodford on 19 <strong>May</strong>. “This exciting event will<br />
bring together local residents who will be<br />
selling pre-loved items on their doorsteps.<br />
Come along and explore the local streets to<br />
discover hidden treasures. Whether you’re a<br />
buyer or seller, it’s a fantastic opportunity to<br />
find bargains and make new friends,” said a<br />
spokesperson. Stallholders must register by<br />
17 <strong>May</strong> (£5). A trail map is available online.<br />
Visit swvg.co.uk/trail24<br />
Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts
12<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
Council’s enforcement team urges<br />
prompt reporting of fly-tipping<br />
Live animals on display for this year’s<br />
Wanstead Wildlife Weekend<br />
Redbridge Council’s enforcement team have<br />
urged residents to report fly-tipping. It follows<br />
issues with rubbish dumped by the bus stop<br />
at the junction of St Alban’s Road and High<br />
Road. “We are monitoring this location as<br />
part of our patrols and have issued a number<br />
of penalties for fly-tipping. I would request<br />
residents use the council’s ‘report it’ function<br />
to report such instances so this can be passed<br />
to the correct team to be investigated quickly<br />
and action taken before evidence is lost,” said<br />
a spokesperson. Visit swvg.co.uk/reportit<br />
Live animals will be on show in Wanstead<br />
this <strong>Jun</strong>e as part of the annual Wanstead<br />
Wildlife Weekend. “We have booked an<br />
exciting display from a company with a good<br />
reputation for animal welfare. They will be<br />
showing live British wildlife, such as rodents,<br />
a barn owl, a snake, invasive marsh frogs and<br />
even a rescue hedgehog,” said a Wren Wildlife<br />
Group spokesperson. Taking place on 22 and<br />
23 <strong>Jun</strong>e, the weekend of free events will also<br />
include bushcraft workshops, a spider hunt<br />
and pond dipping. Visit swvg.co.uk/www24<br />
To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 13<br />
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Snaresbrook station car park closed<br />
for housing development<br />
© Geoff Wilkinson<br />
Iain Duncan Smith MP has launched a Central<br />
Line satisfaction survey. “Right now, Central<br />
line services outside of Central London are<br />
only running every 15 minutes. And they’ve<br />
no idea when this will return to normal…<br />
That’s why I’m doing a satisfaction survey.<br />
I’ll collect all the responses and share them<br />
directly with the <strong>May</strong>or of London and the<br />
Commissioner of TfL… Please tell me how the<br />
delays and overcrowding are impacting you,”<br />
said the Chingford & Woodford Green MP.<br />
Visit swvg.co.uk/idscl<br />
Snaresbrook station car park has closed ahead<br />
of the construction of two blocks of flats on<br />
part of the site. “This will allow work to deliver<br />
74 new affordable homes to commence.<br />
Due to the complexities of the construction<br />
work, there will be limited access to Blue<br />
Badge spaces, but we will work to keep<br />
these spaces available as much as possible<br />
during construction,” said a spokesperson for<br />
Places for London, TfL’s commercial property<br />
company. A smaller car park with 22 spaces is<br />
expected to reopen in spring 2026.<br />
Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts
14<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
Local Property<br />
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07917 870879<br />
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<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 15<br />
Probate problems?<br />
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16<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
Opposite the roundabout on<br />
George Lane, Eastwood Green was<br />
started by a group of volunteers<br />
in autumn 2022, with the intention of<br />
transforming an uninspiring patch of grass<br />
into a vibrant haven for<br />
people and wildlife.<br />
What a difference<br />
a year and a half<br />
has made! The<br />
wonderful work<br />
undertaken<br />
by the South<br />
Woodford<br />
Gardeners in the<br />
local area shows<br />
how much<br />
difference green<br />
space can make<br />
to our community.<br />
However, we also<br />
wanted the area to be low<br />
maintenance. All the work<br />
here is carried out by a team of<br />
fantastic volunteers in collaboration with the<br />
South Woodford Society and funding from<br />
Redbridge Council. What we have created<br />
is essentially a meadow, which includes a<br />
diverse mix of wild flowers and bulbs. The<br />
plants were selected to be drought-tolerant,<br />
so no watering necessary. The occasional<br />
weeding is all that’s needed, but we embrace<br />
the wild aesthetic. We’re also trialling some<br />
grass alternatives, such as chamomile and<br />
thyme. These plants are an attractive, lowmaintenance<br />
option for those who like a lawn<br />
but don’t have time to maintain it.<br />
As well as creating a pleasant space for<br />
residents to enjoy, one of the main goals of<br />
the project was to increase habitat and food<br />
sources for our struggling pollinators. We<br />
have seen a catastrophic decline in flying<br />
insects, with the numbers dropping by 60%<br />
in the past 20 years! Sadly, Britain is one of<br />
the most nature-depleted countries on the<br />
planet. Some of the reasons for the decline<br />
are habitat loss, food shortage and pesticide<br />
use. It is estimated that 84% of EU crops rely<br />
on insect pollination. If this continues, we may<br />
not have enough pollinators for all the crops<br />
we need, which is a scary prospect.<br />
To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 17<br />
Eastwood Green, off George<br />
Lane, has become a wonderful<br />
haven for bees and butterflies<br />
as well as a pleasant space<br />
for residents. Local<br />
gardener Stephanie Derby<br />
reports. Photos by<br />
Geoff Wilkinson<br />
The good news is we can change this. We all<br />
have the power to help reverse this worrying<br />
trend. Research shows that London gardens<br />
take up 24% of the land cover in the capital.<br />
With more areas being developed and<br />
habitats destroyed, our gardens are vital for<br />
wildlife. Pollinators use our gardens as ‘green<br />
corridors’ to move between their nests and<br />
feeding sites. Some species, such as certain<br />
solitary bees, only travel as little as 100 metres,<br />
so it is crucial for them to have nectar sources<br />
close by. As a professional gardener and<br />
designer, my top tips for a wildlife-friendly<br />
garden would be: reduce hard landscaping;<br />
avoid artificial grass; introduce pollinatorfriendly<br />
plants; and stop the use of pesticides.<br />
There are many more I could include, were it<br />
not for my word limit!<br />
Our little project at Eastwood Green is<br />
showcasing the difference a few plants<br />
can make as we’ve seen huge increases in<br />
pollinator numbers over the past year. We’ve<br />
now installed benches, so I would encourage<br />
anyone to take a rest there and observe all<br />
the bees, butterflies and hoverflies that are<br />
enjoying the flowers we’ve provided for them.<br />
To help with Eastwood Green gardening,<br />
email e18society@gmail.com<br />
For more information on gardening and<br />
wildlife, follow Stephanie on Instagram<br />
@stephanietaraderby<br />
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18<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
AGY’S<br />
BARBER<br />
SHOP<br />
Walk-ins welcome. If you would like to make an appointment, call:<br />
020 8989 9231<br />
72c George Lane, South Woodford, E18 1JJ<br />
All hairstyles<br />
catered for<br />
Beard trims<br />
Traditional<br />
hot-towel<br />
shaves<br />
Mon to Fri: 9am – 7pm<br />
(Closed Wed)<br />
Sat: 8.30am – 5.30pm<br />
Sun: 10am – 2.30pm<br />
IN THE BUILDING TRADE FOR 30 YEARS<br />
Sudoku<br />
Fill in the grid so that each<br />
row, column and 3x3 box<br />
contains the digits 1 through<br />
to 9 with no repetition.<br />
3 1 2 4<br />
6 8<br />
1 2<br />
1 2 4 9<br />
9 6<br />
3 5 6<br />
6 8 5 4<br />
4 6 3 7<br />
9<br />
Solution on page 32<br />
Anagram: The Viaduct<br />
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<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 19<br />
GARDENCARE<br />
• PAVING & PATIOS<br />
• TURFING<br />
• ARTIFICIAL LAWNS<br />
• FENCING<br />
• VICTORIAN PATHS<br />
• DRIVEWAYS<br />
• BRICKWORK<br />
• RENDERING<br />
• DECKING<br />
• DESIGN<br />
• PLANTING<br />
• RAISED FLOWER BEDS<br />
Tel: 020 8539 4443<br />
enquiries@lancastersgardencare.com<br />
Visit us today Garden Maintenance Tree Service<br />
Shop online at lancastersonline.com or call 020 8520 1088<br />
UNIT 2, THE OLD STATION YARD, WALTHAMSTOW, E17 3NZ<br />
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20<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
A SMART MOVE<br />
Three years ago, Eddie Tam and Edia Chow made a big decision: to uproot<br />
their lives – and their suit hire business – from the bustling streets of<br />
Hong Kong and settle in the serene enclave of South Woodford<br />
What was the motivation behind<br />
our move? Primarily, it was for our<br />
children’s education, but also for<br />
the opportunity to expand our menswear<br />
and tuxedo business, MODE London, to the<br />
UK market.<br />
London, with its rich fashion culture and<br />
historical ties to Hong Kong, seemed like the<br />
perfect fit. And it was South Woodford that<br />
captured our hearts. Nestled close enough<br />
to the city for convenience, yet far enough to<br />
retain a peaceful charm, this neighbourhood<br />
felt like home from the moment we arrived.<br />
The transition, however, wasn’t without its<br />
challenges. Adapting to the cultural nuances<br />
and customer behaviours was a learning<br />
curve. What we thought we knew about<br />
running a business didn’t always align with<br />
the reality of operating in a new environment.<br />
Client preferences vary significantly between<br />
Hong Kong and the UK markets. While Hong<br />
Kong clients often opt for more elaborate<br />
styles for their pre-wedding and wedding<br />
day attire, local clients here in the UK tend to<br />
prefer simpler yet elegant designs.<br />
Moreover, the lifestyle in Hong Kong is<br />
characterised by high pressure in terms of<br />
work and study due to intense competition.<br />
In contrast, South Woodford offers a more<br />
relaxed and balanced approach to life,<br />
allowing us to fully embrace the change and<br />
appreciate the tranquillity of our new home.<br />
Life in South Woodford has a different rhythm<br />
compared to Hong Kong. At first, the slower<br />
pace felt foreign to us, accustomed as we<br />
were to the frenetic energy of city life. But<br />
over time, we’ve come to appreciate the more<br />
laid-back atmosphere. The living environment<br />
in South Woodford also offers a stark contrast<br />
Eddie and Edia with their<br />
children Edwina and Edison<br />
to Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, space for leisure<br />
activities for our children and pets was limited,<br />
whereas South Woodford boasts abundant<br />
greenery and spacious surroundings. Of<br />
course, there are aspects of home we miss<br />
dearly, including our home-town foods.<br />
While cooking in our new home has become<br />
a necessity, the bustling energy of London’s<br />
Chinatown offers a taste of familiarity.<br />
Yet, despite these adjustments, what we love<br />
most about South Woodford is its people.<br />
The genuine warmth and friendliness of<br />
the community has made us feel welcomed<br />
and accepted from day one. Whether it’s<br />
striking up conversations with neighbours or<br />
interacting with customers in our shop, the<br />
sense of camaraderie here is truly special.<br />
As we reflect on our journey thus far, we’re<br />
filled with gratitude for the opportunity to<br />
call South Woodford home. The support of<br />
this community has truly helped us – and<br />
our business – thrive. So, here’s to embracing<br />
change, cherishing diversity and celebrating<br />
the spirit of South Woodford.<br />
MODE London is located in The Galleria on<br />
George Lane, South Woodford. For more<br />
information, visit modelondon.co.uk<br />
To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 21<br />
Your Mode, Your Ocassion<br />
#Prom<br />
#Graduation<br />
#Party<br />
#Wedding<br />
#Cocktail<br />
#Anniversary<br />
Present your student<br />
card at checkout in<br />
our shop and enjoy an<br />
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for purchasing a readyto-wear<br />
suit<br />
Men’s<br />
Formalwear<br />
Hire/Buy<br />
NOW OPEN<br />
at Unit 4 The Galleria,<br />
180-182 George Lane,<br />
South Woodford, E18 1AY<br />
modelondon.co.uk 07300 821420<br />
By appointment for free trial<br />
modelondonuk<br />
GEOFF WILKINSON PHOTOGRAPHY<br />
Quick<br />
Before it<br />
Goes!<br />
A collection of photos by local<br />
photographer Geoff Wilkinson<br />
depicting London’s East End<br />
Call 020 8530 1244 or visit<br />
geoffwilkinsonphotography.co.uk<br />
Eightyfour Gallery, 84 Nightingale Lane, Wanstead, E11 2EZ<br />
Lovat Lane, London, EC3<br />
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22<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
bank holiday<br />
family fair<br />
www.parnhamfunfairs.co.uk HOTLINE 07956 245531<br />
SATURDAY<br />
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MAY<br />
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Sun 26 may & sun 2 june<br />
This Fair is<br />
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NO CASH ACCEPTED<br />
1 TOKEN £1.20<br />
10 TOKENS £10<br />
TOKENS ON SALE<br />
AT BOOTH<br />
FAIRLOP WATERS<br />
BARKINGSIDE • IG6 3HN<br />
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<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 23<br />
Our design, materials, manufacturing processes & finishes are second<br />
to none. We employ local joinery craftsmen, CAD technicians, fitters,<br />
apprentices & office staff; creating a passionate team environment.<br />
Are you experiencing difficulty with obtaining planning permission<br />
for your new joinery? Speak to K&D who can provide assistance.<br />
DOORS/GLAZING<br />
Stunning front doors & frames add value to your home & create the perfect first impression. Whatever<br />
the design & details you require, our highly skilled joiners at K&D will create your perfect door. High<br />
security locks & beautiful leaded & coloured glass are just two of the extra services we can provide.<br />
BRICKWORK<br />
CABINETRY<br />
PIVOT/SLIDING DOORS<br />
As part of K&D services, we can<br />
include brick cleaning, re-pointing<br />
& exterior refurbishment to give<br />
your property stunning results.<br />
HEATING<br />
We are also able to offer<br />
Gas Safe Registered<br />
– Boiler Installations<br />
– Servicing & Repairs.<br />
Our CAD team will convert your ideas<br />
into workable solutions & our highly<br />
skilled joiners will manufacture &<br />
install your interior cabinetry.<br />
Bespoke Pivot Door & a set of<br />
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We manufacture all types of bespoke timber joinery<br />
JOINERY HOUSE<br />
69 CHEQUERS LANE<br />
DAGENHAM RM9 6QJ<br />
020 8526 7020<br />
INFO@KANDD.ORG<br />
KANDD.ORG<br />
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our reviews &<br />
latest projects<br />
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24<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
Fields of Memories<br />
In the second of a series of articles to mark Churchfields Infants’ and<br />
<strong>Jun</strong>ior School’s 150th anniversary, former pupil Carol Elsbury (class of 1972)<br />
reflects on her memories of Miss Francis and Mr Baker<br />
People often say schooldays are<br />
the best days of your lives. I felt a<br />
sense of security and happiness at<br />
Churchfields, which was a testament to the<br />
staff. We had recently moved from Swindon<br />
and starting a new school was terrifying. At<br />
the end of the first day, the school phoned<br />
my parents to congratulate them on my<br />
grasp of English, which confused my mum<br />
until she realised they thought I had come<br />
from Sweden, not Swindon!<br />
I have hazy memories of the infants, where<br />
Miss Hollis presided over us one day in the<br />
playground, dividing our class into birthdays.<br />
We had no idea this would mean some of our<br />
friends would ‘disappear’ and our class would<br />
be altered going forward. We soon adjusted<br />
and my real memories begin clearly when we<br />
went into the junior school.<br />
Our classroom was one of the huts built at<br />
the rear of the school, near the large field, to<br />
cater for the ever-growing student body. I<br />
can remember that hut as being so colourful,<br />
with paintings on all the walls, a large nature<br />
table on the right-hand side of the room and<br />
mobiles hanging from the ceiling. The tiny<br />
tables faced the blackboard and to the rear<br />
was the reading area. The teacher was Sheila<br />
Francis; she was one of two cherished teachers<br />
at that school who did so much for me.<br />
I was okay until someone raised their voice;<br />
then I was scared. When Miss Francis would<br />
admonish someone, I would be upset but try<br />
not to show it. Finally, my mum spoke to Miss<br />
Francis, who came up with a simple but very<br />
kind plan. If she was going to raise her voice,<br />
she would walk over to me, hold both my<br />
hands and smile, and then tell someone off<br />
over her shoulder! It might seem silly now, but<br />
to me, it made all the difference in the world.<br />
Class photo with<br />
Miss Francis<br />
In my last year at juniors, we were supposed<br />
to have our first male teacher, Mr Baker.<br />
However, when we came in on that first<br />
morning, we were greeted by an elderly<br />
teacher, who I think was Mrs Mangham. She<br />
explained Mr Baker had been on holiday and<br />
had tragically lost his son in an accident. She<br />
taught us for a few weeks and said it was<br />
essential we did not say anything to Mr Baker<br />
about the accident and that we must be<br />
well-behaved upon his return. And we were. I<br />
found Mr Baker an encouraging and positive<br />
person, which was extraordinary given what<br />
he must have been suffering. He developed<br />
my love of reading and writing and my last<br />
report said I had a very “chatty” style!<br />
I think the greatest sadness for pupils of our<br />
era is that when we return for the reunion<br />
in <strong>Jun</strong>e, the buildings we remember will no<br />
longer be there. I can close my eyes and see<br />
the high windows, the painted bricks, the<br />
classroom doors surrounding the hall and the<br />
gigantic TV stand, which was ceremoniously<br />
wheeled out. But mostly, I remember a feeling<br />
of happiness, and for that, I am truly grateful.<br />
A school reunion will take place on 8 <strong>Jun</strong>e<br />
from 11am. For more information and to<br />
register, visit swvg.co.uk/c150<br />
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<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 25<br />
BATHWORKS JULY_© Fish Media 30/06/2014 09:33 Page 1<br />
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26<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
DD’s 65 th Woodford Diary<br />
Some South Woodford scribbles from DD,<br />
our resident diarist and observer of all things<br />
local. Illustrated by Evelyn Rowland<br />
I<br />
can’t remember, or even imagine, a<br />
time when I didn’t love words. Perhaps<br />
some of you were at the ‘Red School’<br />
when I was, with the formidable Miss Read<br />
ruling the roost. If so, you may remember<br />
listening to How Things Began on the radio<br />
in the final year. We had to turn our<br />
notes (starting from Neanderthal<br />
Man in the Palaeolithic Era) into<br />
a complete book. I still<br />
have mine. Writing<br />
letters has never<br />
seemed like a chore to<br />
me. My younger brother,<br />
Michael, moved abroad<br />
many years before the<br />
email revolution and we<br />
regularly filled those small,<br />
blue, lick-round-the-edge<br />
airmail forms with family<br />
news on each side of the four-thousandmile<br />
divide. He also still writes and has<br />
several books to his name. But that’s quite<br />
enough chat.<br />
I would like to<br />
say a big thank<br />
you to those of<br />
you who have<br />
written to me on<br />
my Gazette email<br />
address. Nothing<br />
warms my heart<br />
more than realising<br />
someone actually reads<br />
the stuff I write. Thoughts,<br />
comments, suggestions as to<br />
possible themes: all welcome.<br />
Your letters are like gifts, which<br />
brings me, by a somewhat<br />
convoluted route, to this issue’s<br />
theme: gifts.<br />
“I’ve been in gifts<br />
for 25 years.” This was<br />
Sue speaking, one<br />
of the long-serving staff at Room 22<br />
(directly opposite the approach road<br />
into Sainsbury’s). “I love this shop,”<br />
she continued. “Look outside:<br />
people rushing by, heading<br />
to the station, or the bus stop.<br />
Wondering if they’ve remembered<br />
everything they meant to include<br />
on their shopping list. Now<br />
look at those who have walked<br />
in here. You can’t help noticing<br />
it: they have slowed down, they are<br />
relaxing, they are winding down. I feel this<br />
myself when I arrive in the morning. A sense<br />
of contentment. There’s nothing not to like!<br />
Compare this with sitting at an office desk<br />
all day! I am handling lovely things. I have<br />
the opportunity to be creative, to think<br />
about the best way to display newly-arrived<br />
stock: William Morris porcelain, Gistella<br />
Graham tableware, special items<br />
for Mother’s Day or Valentine’s<br />
Day. Warm mohair scarves in<br />
bright unusual colours and<br />
designs, dresses, woollens.”<br />
“I didn’t know you sold<br />
clothes as well,” I managed to<br />
interrupt the enthusiastic flow. “Not<br />
many left just now. Sundresses, hats<br />
even; they disappeared fast.”<br />
Another happy South Woodford<br />
shopkeeper is Olga. “I always longed<br />
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<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 27<br />
to run<br />
my own<br />
business<br />
with lots<br />
of regular<br />
customers<br />
and highquality<br />
goods. And<br />
what a joy when a<br />
corner shop became<br />
available!” (It’s at<br />
the junction of George Lane and<br />
Pulteney Road.) Olga is a balloon seller with<br />
long experience and a huge range of sizes,<br />
colours and shapes. But I quickly realised<br />
this was a mere fraction of the breadth of<br />
services she offers. She can plan and design<br />
and create in every detail the special party<br />
you have in mind, tailored individually to<br />
the occasion, balloons and much more. An<br />
anniversary? A birthday? An engagement?<br />
She is happy to visit the party venue, perhaps<br />
your sitting room, perhaps somewhere<br />
bigger, to measure up the space and provide<br />
you with a sketch of how the venue could<br />
look on the day. The shop has a really fun<br />
atmosphere. All sorts of party and gift ideas<br />
and paraphernalia fill the shelves around<br />
the walls. Olga was glad to chat: “I trained<br />
as a physiotherapist in Lithuania but jobs<br />
were hard to find.” “Was that because you<br />
were a woman?” “No, not really.” “Perhaps your<br />
heart wasn’t in it? You were dreaming of your<br />
corner shop and party plans?” Olga smiled.<br />
“I think there’s some truth in what you say.<br />
I suppose really I’m a bit of a softie. I admit<br />
it. Most of my patients in the hospital were<br />
severely disabled. I would go home with a<br />
broken heart. Often tears. Look at me now just<br />
recalling what it was like. Now I go home with<br />
a smile on my face and a spring in my step.<br />
What could be better than helping people to<br />
celebrate? And I do have lots of lovely regular<br />
customers!”<br />
Located in the station forecourt is what must<br />
be the smallest shop in South Woodford.<br />
Proof positive that ‘good things come in small<br />
packages’. “A perfect gift for special people” it<br />
says above the window. I had always assumed<br />
that all the special gifts were necklaces, rings<br />
and brooches. I know better now. Just three<br />
years ago, this ‘boutique’ changed hands<br />
and here was Irem sitting<br />
behind the mini counter<br />
with fresh flowers and a<br />
welcoming smile as I<br />
stepped in. Irem is<br />
Turkish but has lived<br />
in the UK for over<br />
20 years, is married to<br />
an Englishman and has a teenage<br />
daughter at a local school.<br />
Lucky daughter to<br />
be bilingual. Irem is,<br />
first and foremost, an<br />
artist: “Even when<br />
I’m cooking, I love<br />
arranging the food on<br />
the plate as an artist.<br />
And it’s the same when<br />
I lay the table. That<br />
too can be a work<br />
of art.” All this<br />
was delightfully<br />
evident in the<br />
shop. It was like a<br />
mini art gallery,<br />
with her own paintings<br />
displayed on the walls<br />
between the showcases of jewellery.<br />
“I have continued the tradition of<br />
the previous owner,” she told me. “I<br />
specialise in gemstones and silver.<br />
Absolutely fine for customers who find they<br />
are allergic to other metals.” Along with her<br />
paintings, Irem sells handcrafted gifts: unusual<br />
Turkish bags, small, beautifully carved olive<br />
wood boxes on which she has painted her<br />
unique designs. Even all the displays of her<br />
gemstones in all their different colours look<br />
like the work of an artist with a capital A.<br />
I think it’s time to wrap this up. (Sorry! I<br />
couldn’t resist that.) There’s a cluster of<br />
birthdays coming up. Between us, we share<br />
six children and 12 grandchildren. Mostly, they<br />
prefer their gifts to be a surprise. But everthoughtful<br />
Sophie rang today with a helpful<br />
message: “I expect you may wish to know<br />
what I’d like for my birthday.”<br />
To contact DD with your thoughts or<br />
feedback, email dd@swvg.co.uk<br />
Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts
28<br />
Meet our local<br />
Specialists and Clinicians…<br />
Dr Kiran Beneng BDS(Hons), MFDS RCS(Eng), DipDSed, MOralSurg(Ed)<br />
“<br />
Consultant Oral Surgeon<br />
I have been working as a Consultant Oral Surgeon at Guy’s Hospital<br />
since 2012. I qualified from King’s College London in 2003 and have<br />
worked in various hospitals and dental practices across London and<br />
Kent. I have always loved the community feel of Wanstead, having<br />
lived here myself, and I look forward to meeting you.<br />
Dr Nadia Amin BDS (Lon), MFDS (RCS Eng)<br />
“<br />
Dental Sedationist<br />
I am a member of the Society for the Advancement of Anaesthesia<br />
in Dentistry and the British Society of Special Care Dentistry. I<br />
understand that coming to the dentist can be daunting for many and<br />
I’ve always wanted to help overcome this barrier to dental care. I<br />
have extensive experience in the provision of dental sedation.<br />
Dr Suky Ghuman BDS Birmingham 2009<br />
“<br />
Dentist with Special Interest in Facial Aesthetics<br />
“<br />
“<br />
I qualified from the University of Birmingham in 2009 and facial<br />
aesthetics has always been a specialist interest of mine. I am trained<br />
in the use of treatments to tackle wrinkles and sweating, as well as<br />
helping those with TMJ problems. I am also qualified in dermal fillers,<br />
medical skin peels and cosmeceutical skin care.<br />
Dr Vikas Agarwal BDS MFDS RCSEd MClinDent MPros RCSEd FDS RCSEd<br />
“<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
Specialist Prosthodontist, Implantologist and Cosmetic Dentist<br />
I completed specialist training in Prosthodontics from Barts and<br />
The London Dental School in 2014. I am a Member at The Royal<br />
College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, where I obtained my Fellowship. I<br />
provide implants, cosmetic and prosthetic dentistry and full mouth<br />
reconstructions for that ‘new you’ smile.<br />
“<br />
“<br />
Mr Raj Dubal BDS (Lon) MFDS RCS (Ed) MClin Dent (Pros) MRD RCS (Ed) PG Cert (Dent Ed) FDS RCS (Ed) ISFE (Rest Dent) Ed<br />
“<br />
Consultant in Restorative Dentistry and Fixed<br />
and Removable Prosthodontics<br />
Having grown up in the Wanstead and Woodford area my whole life,<br />
I am now a Consultant in Restorative Dentistry at The Royal London<br />
Dental Hospital and enjoy spending part of my week treating our very<br />
special local community at Smile in London, Wanstead.<br />
“<br />
To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 29<br />
Smilein London<br />
At Smile in London, our patients receive the highest<br />
standards of dental care with a gentle touch.<br />
Husband and wife team, Amit and Preeti Gupta<br />
founded Smile in London Dental Practice in 2008 and<br />
have since grown their team so that our Wanstead<br />
community does not have to venture too far to receive<br />
advanced and specialist treatments.<br />
Founders Amit and Preeti Gupta<br />
Our friendly team have trained extensively and<br />
developed considerable skills, enabling them to optimise<br />
your oral health with expert advice on the treatment that is right for<br />
you. They are committed to dental health and rehabilitation which is<br />
conservative, patient-centred, and evidence-based.<br />
Saturday appointments available<br />
Find us at 19 Cambridge Park, Wanstead, E11 2PU<br />
smileinlondon.co.uk info@smileinlondon.co.uk 020 8532 9990<br />
Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts
30<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
Time for flexitime<br />
Jo Cullen from local solicitors Edwards Duthie Shamash takes a look at<br />
the improvements to employee rights following recent changes to the<br />
flexible working request regime<br />
Flexible working is a way of working<br />
that suits an employee’s needs, for<br />
example, having flexible start and<br />
finish times, or working from home. All<br />
employees have the legal right to request<br />
flexible working. On 6 April <strong>2024</strong>, changes<br />
to the new flexible working request regime<br />
came into force. The headline changes<br />
include:<br />
• An employee can request flexible working<br />
from their first day of employment; there is<br />
no qualification period.<br />
• When making a request, an employee no<br />
longer has to explain what effect, if any,<br />
they think their requested change will have<br />
on their employer and how any such effect<br />
might be dealt with.<br />
• An employee is entitled to make two<br />
requests in any 12-month period.<br />
• An employer will not be permitted to refuse<br />
a request unless the employee has been<br />
consulted.<br />
• The time for an employer to make a<br />
decision is reduced from three to two<br />
months.<br />
The new rules are very much to the benefit<br />
of the employee, giving them the ability<br />
to request flexibility from their first day of<br />
employment. There has been much debate<br />
about this Day One right and the impact the<br />
change may have on employers. However,<br />
flexible working is increasingly a topic for<br />
discussion during the recruitment process,<br />
and the impact may not be as great as<br />
initially expected with prospective employees<br />
looking to agree varied terms before starting<br />
employment.<br />
Whilst an employee has the right to request<br />
flexible working, an employer does not have<br />
to agree to the request if it is not feasible and<br />
the rejection reasoning falls within one of the<br />
business reasons that continue to apply as set<br />
out in the legislation.<br />
Employers will have to deal promptly with<br />
requests within the new set time limits,<br />
although there is still scope to extend this<br />
time by agreement. Any request must be fully<br />
considered and discussed. Where a request is<br />
not to be agreed, a full consultation must take<br />
place and all steps taken clearly documented,<br />
including details around variations to the<br />
proposed changes or alternative roles to<br />
reduce the risk of an appeal and, ultimately, a<br />
claim being issued.<br />
Employers will need to be ready to implement<br />
these changes and ensure they are familiar<br />
with the new rules and the updated Acas<br />
statutory code of practice on requests for<br />
flexible working.<br />
Edwards Duthie Shamash is located at<br />
149 High Street, Wanstead, E11 2RL. For<br />
more information, call 020 8514 9000 or<br />
visit edwardsduthieshamash.co.uk<br />
To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 31<br />
Edwards Duthie Shamash<br />
Solicitors<br />
Sports<br />
and Leisure<br />
Injury Claims<br />
We have expertise in handling sports and leisure injury claims.<br />
When playing sports or performing leisure pursuits, there is<br />
always some element of risk but you may still be able to claim<br />
compensation when your injury is somebody else’s fault.<br />
Our solicitors will handle your claim on a No Win, No Fee basis and<br />
deal with matters in a compassionate and professional manner.<br />
Email: bradley.wright@edslaw.co.uk<br />
Scan the QR code to visit our website<br />
Call us on: 0208 514 9000<br />
allinfo@edslaw.co.uk | www.edslaw.co.uk |<br />
Wanstead | Waterloo | Stratford | Ilford<br />
Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts
32<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
Crossword competition<br />
Win two tickets to an outdoor theatre show in Wanstead Park<br />
<strong>May</strong>/<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong><br />
Across<br />
1. Electrical units (4)<br />
5. Douse, spray (6)<br />
8. Wide smile (4)<br />
9. Party game (8)<br />
10. Not hurt (8)<br />
11. Valueless (4)<br />
12. Chef’s garment (5)<br />
14. Fall asleep (3,3)<br />
16. Minor quarrel (4)<br />
18. Stimulating (8)<br />
20. Appeased (8)<br />
21. Three squared (4)<br />
22. Hay fever cause (6)<br />
Down<br />
2. Actress Hart (7)<br />
3. Mr Claus (5)<br />
4. Villain actor Alan (7)<br />
5. Regular payment<br />
instruction (8,5)<br />
6. Educated (7)<br />
7. Metal alloy (5)<br />
13. Court do-over (7)<br />
15. Supply capital (7)<br />
17. Keyboard<br />
instrument (5)<br />
19. Type of boom (5)<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7<br />
8 9<br />
10 11<br />
12 13 14 15<br />
16 17 18 19<br />
20 21<br />
22<br />
For the chance to win two tickets to<br />
The Gondoliers in Wanstead Park on 21 July,<br />
courtesy of Illyria, send your crossword<br />
solution, name and address to:<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
PO BOX 2491, Ilford, IG1 8JT<br />
Alternatively, email your entry (subject line:<br />
<strong>May</strong>/<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong>) to: crossword@swvg.co.uk<br />
Closing date: 22 <strong>May</strong> <strong>2024</strong><br />
One winner will be selected at random from all correct entries received before 5pm on 22 <strong>May</strong> <strong>2024</strong>.<br />
The winner will receive their prize within 28 days of the closing date. Full T&Cs at swvg.co.uk/tc<br />
Congratulations to Beryl Chapman of Primrose Road,<br />
South Woodford, who won two tickets to The Rocket<br />
Man in last issue’s crossword competition.<br />
Mar/Apr Crossword Solution<br />
E D G I N G D E C A N T<br />
U D L I L A<br />
E N D I V E S H A F T S<br />
G O E R A R K<br />
B A L M Y G I T<br />
R P A R A F F I N<br />
E R T E Y M<br />
V E G E T A T E E<br />
S P S L A P S<br />
A T G A S E I<br />
R E V I V E H E A T E R<br />
M L N I R C<br />
S T R E E T P E N N E D<br />
<strong>May</strong>/<strong>Jun</strong> Sudoku Solution<br />
8 3 1 7 9 2 6 5 4<br />
2 6 4 5 8 3 1 9 7<br />
9 5 7 4 1 6 8 2 3<br />
6 1 2 3 4 7 5 8 9<br />
4 8 9 2 5 1 7 3 6<br />
3 7 5 9 6 8 4 1 2<br />
7 9 6 8 3 5 2 4 1<br />
1 4 8 6 2 9 3 7 5<br />
5 2 3 1 7 4 9 6 8<br />
To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 33<br />
ROBINS<br />
PIE & MASH<br />
Celebrate the <strong>May</strong> Bank Holidays<br />
with a traditional English meal<br />
- Pie, Mash & Liquor: £5 -<br />
VENUE HIRE & OUTSIDE CATERING FOR WEDDINGS & EVENTS<br />
We provide everything you need: Pie & Mash / Desserts / Staff / Cutlery / Crockery<br />
Call Nicole: 020 8508 1513 Email: nicole@robinspieandmash.com<br />
14 HIGH STREET, WANSTEAD TEL: 020 8989 1988<br />
Monday to Saturday: 10am – 5pm Sundays: 10.30am – 5.30pm<br />
GREAT VALUE<br />
MEAL DEALS<br />
You can also find us at:<br />
40 South Street, Romford (t: 01708 752 552)<br />
21A Town Square, Basildon (t: 020 8508 1513)<br />
PIE, MASH & LIQUOR, SMALL ORANGE OR TEA,<br />
APPLE PIE & CUSTARD – £7.50<br />
POACHED SALMON, MASH & LIQUOR – £8<br />
50 Station Road, Chingford (t: 020 8524 1824)<br />
53 High Street, Chelmsford (t: 01245 491 274)<br />
15 Clarence Street, Southend-On-Sea (t: 01702 436 396)<br />
Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts
FOR SALE<br />
GUIDE PRICE £1,300,000<br />
PERIOD SPLENDOUR WITH A MODERN TWIST<br />
operty Features<br />
Nestled in a seldom available, tree-lined avenue at the very heart of South Woodford, this<br />
property is just moments away from George Lane’s array of independent shops, restaurants,<br />
cafés, and the E18 Central Line Station.<br />
edrooms<br />
A beautifully appointed and meticulously upgraded six-bedroom, three-bathroom Edwardian<br />
semi-detached residence. It boasts a loft-extended living area, significantly increasing the total<br />
internal space to approximately Garden 2260 sq. ft. (210 sq. m.), along with a sunny, private and walled<br />
south-facing garden. The home preserves many original period details, including fireplaces,<br />
exposed wooden floors, Ideal and ornate Location<br />
cornicing, enhanced by the utility of a cellar. The bright<br />
master bedroom suite stands out with its herringbone flooring and an extensive en suite<br />
featuring a double-width shower and a standalone bathtub.<br />
athrooms<br />
eceptions<br />
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30 3333<br />
FEATURES<br />
orge • Lane, 6 bedrooms South Woodford • South-facing E18 Garden 1AY<br />
ill-estates.co.uk<br />
• 3 bathrooms • Ideal location<br />
• 2 receptions<br />
196 George Lane<br />
South Woodford, E18 1AY<br />
0208 530 3333
Moving is Hard...<br />
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Selling your home<br />
Selling your home<br />
doesn’t need to be<br />
doesn’t need to be<br />
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@wearechurchills
36<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
As the South Woodford Design Code continues to develop in earnest,<br />
Pearl Arbenser-Simmonds reports on the work underway to create an<br />
online map of community assets<br />
A<br />
Design Code is a collection of design<br />
principles to help local areas<br />
deliver beautiful and sustainable<br />
places. It enables the community to lead<br />
the way in shaping the design of their<br />
own neighbourhood. The document<br />
will eventually provide guidance for<br />
development, covering the design of<br />
streets, public spaces and buildings, as well<br />
as spaces for nature.<br />
The South Woodford Society and<br />
Neighbourhood Forum are progressing well<br />
in developing a digital version of the Design<br />
Code for the area. We are in the process of<br />
creating a new, user-friendly website so<br />
residents, community groups, businesses,<br />
developers and other interested stakeholders<br />
can explore what matters to people locally.<br />
It will also set out guidelines for new<br />
development and our targets for 2040.<br />
One of the things we are doing is mapping<br />
community assets using the web-based<br />
ArcGIS. A graphic information system (GIS) is a<br />
spatial system that creates, manages, analyses<br />
and maps all types of data. It is a complete<br />
system for discovering, consuming, creating<br />
and sharing geographical data maps and<br />
apps designed to fulfil particular objectives. It<br />
connects data to a map, integrating location<br />
data (where things are) with all types of<br />
descriptive information (what things are like<br />
there). For example, Crossrail is using ArcGIS<br />
to develop maps and data for public-facing<br />
information.<br />
Here in South Woodford, we are mapping<br />
everything from street benches to tree canopy<br />
cover to better understand what we have and<br />
what we need. This digital map will document<br />
our journey towards South Woodford as a<br />
green and active neighbourhood, which<br />
inspires people to walk and cycle, with a<br />
vibrant town centre filled with opportunities<br />
for the community to socialise.<br />
With a series of road maps as our basic<br />
tools, we have walked the streets within<br />
our boundary, noting the locations of street<br />
benches (including bus stop seats), cycle<br />
storage and trees. The image here shows<br />
a basic view of the work we have carried<br />
out thus far. Over the coming weeks, we’ll<br />
continue this process using online tools, as<br />
well as our base maps, to document more<br />
assets, such as cycle routes, cycle storage<br />
and walking routes. Our aspiration is to<br />
eventually map pretty much anything that is<br />
of interest to our local community. You will<br />
then be able to access this information via an<br />
online map.<br />
This project is a lot of work, so we are always<br />
happy to have additional volunteers to<br />
help. If this is something you would like to<br />
support, please get in touch. We’d love to hear<br />
from you!<br />
For more information and to get involved,<br />
email sowodeco@gmail.com<br />
To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 37<br />
Read the full<br />
report online<br />
South Woodford<br />
Community Consultation<br />
Oct Dec 2023<br />
Green space Public space Walking & Cycling<br />
infrastructure<br />
Amenities<br />
South Woodford Society and Neighbourhood Forum is<br />
developing a Design Code – a set of design principles to<br />
inform future development. Community contributions, at<br />
every stage, are shaping the Design Code vision. This latest<br />
consultation (Oct to Dec 2023) offers site specific insights,<br />
building on previous work to better understand what matters<br />
to people locally. Read the full report online...<br />
swvg.co.uk/future<br />
Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts
38<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
Selecting an independent school can be a<br />
daunting task given the many options<br />
available, ranging from preparatory to<br />
secondary and 'all through' schools.<br />
At Loyola, we strongly advocate the benefits<br />
of remaining in a preparatory school for the<br />
duration of their primary education, as it<br />
provides an excellent foundation for a<br />
successful future.<br />
To gain insight into education at Loyola , we<br />
had the pleasure of asking James, a Year 6<br />
pupil who has attended Loyola from the age<br />
of three, just like his brother.<br />
Q Firstly, congratulations on your multiple 11+ offers and scholarships from several<br />
top independent schools and securing a place at a leading Grammar School. How<br />
were you prepared by the school for the various styles of 11+ entry exams?<br />
A That is a difficult question; as the school prepares you through your whole time<br />
here. But once you have decided which schools you are applying for, you are set<br />
appropriate past papers for those schools, covering Maths, English, Verbal and Non-<br />
Verbal reasoning. You are also taught various styles of writing, such as a persuasive<br />
argument and creative writing so you are fully prepared for the exams. We also used<br />
Atom Learning for those schools that used computer-based exams for their entrance<br />
process. Additionally, we did interview practice, puzzle/problem solving and team<br />
skills to help with our preparation.<br />
To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 39<br />
Q Aside from your fantastic 11+ results, what have been<br />
some of your proudest achievements during your time at<br />
Loyola?<br />
A In 2023 my class entered the UK Independent Schools<br />
Mathematician of the Year competition, in which I came 18th<br />
in the country. In my last year I was also appointed as a<br />
Senior Prefect and Captain of Rugby and Swimming.<br />
Q What extra-curricular activities have you taken part in and<br />
which are your favorite?<br />
A My favorite extra-curricular activity is Rugby and I have enjoyed competing against<br />
other schools. I have also played some cricket and football and with two of my friends,<br />
we organised a fund-raising hockey match for Haven House. As a member of the Choir,<br />
we sang at the Royal Albert Hall. I have also been a member of the Lego, Chess and<br />
Sketch club. I also had a go at learning to play the piano.<br />
During the holidays, I have been to Ollie’s Soccer Club at school and Ms Coupland’s Get<br />
Creative Club. Now the 11+ has finished, we have trampolining, badminton, sailing as<br />
well as Activity Week, which is really soon. I am excited about the next residential to<br />
Wales and also as a class to perform the ‘X-Factory Play’ later this term.<br />
Q What have you enjoyed the most during your time at Loyola Prep School?<br />
A It has been an enjoyable time at Loyola, but one highlight among many, was the<br />
residential activity week in year 5, as it was good to get away with my friends and have<br />
fun after COVID.<br />
Q What are your future aspirations?<br />
A My future aspiration is to become a Maths teacher.<br />
Q What advice would you offer to any new pupil<br />
starting at Loyola?<br />
A Embrace the opportunities and never give up.<br />
Q Lastly, if you were to sum up your experience at<br />
Loyola in one sentence, what would it be?<br />
A Fun, enjoyable and full of good memories.<br />
LOYOLA PREPARATORY SCHOOL<br />
103 Palmerston Road, Buckhurst Hill, IG9 5NH ~ 020 8504 7372<br />
BOOK YOUR TOUR TODAY<br />
Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts
40<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
Park<br />
Life<br />
In the seventh of a series of articles featuring the<br />
images of local photographers who document<br />
the wildlife of Wanstead Park and the<br />
surrounding area, Mark O’Dell presents<br />
his shot of a Mute Swan in flight<br />
I<br />
took this image of a Mute Swan flying<br />
towards me in Wanstead Park. I find<br />
photographing wildlife is a fantastic way<br />
to capture the beauty of the natural world,<br />
get out in the fresh air and exercise both<br />
body and mind.<br />
I’m a professional photographer and content<br />
creator based in Woodford Green. I’ve shot a<br />
diverse range of subjects for commercial and<br />
editorial clients and the occasional wedding,<br />
too. I enjoy photographing people, both<br />
professionally and those I meet in day-today<br />
life. I love telling stories through my<br />
images and my love of photography allows<br />
me to connect with awesome companies<br />
and individuals. I also provide one-to-one<br />
photography training sessions, covering<br />
aspects such as setting up your camera,<br />
learning about exposure, flash or anything<br />
connected to photography. I now also provide<br />
advice and tuition on getting to grips with<br />
wildlife photography. When I’m not working,<br />
you’ll find me out and about photographing<br />
the wonderful wildlife we have locally.<br />
We are so lucky in Redbridge, having access<br />
to fantastic parks and, as individuals, there<br />
To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 41<br />
are numerous ways we can engage with and<br />
support wildlife conservation efforts. I support<br />
the RSPB and regularly visit their reserves<br />
throughout the country. I also photograph<br />
birds and insects that exist within the<br />
borough and share my images with the local<br />
community (some of which are housebound)<br />
through social media. Bringing the outside<br />
world to them through my images and words<br />
is particularly fulfilling.<br />
On my regular walks in the local parks, I’ve met<br />
and photographed some interesting people<br />
and made some long-lasting friendships, too.<br />
A lot of our parks in Wanstead and Woodford<br />
rely heavily on volunteers to keep them<br />
looking shipshape by litter picking and other<br />
manual labour, so a big shout-out to those<br />
who give their time freely to maintain and<br />
improve these green spaces.<br />
To view more of Mark’s wildlife photos,<br />
visit swvg.co.uk/odell<br />
For more information on Mark’s portrait<br />
photography, visit markodell.com<br />
Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts
42<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
LOUD.<br />
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Toilets & Taps<br />
Leaks & Bursts<br />
Showers<br />
Clearing Blockages<br />
Pipework Replacement<br />
Gas Safe Certified<br />
To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 43<br />
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44<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
A real gem<br />
South Woodford resident Kim Rix became a gemologist to fully indulge<br />
her passion for gemstones. Ahead of a gemstone discovery tour to<br />
Tanzania this summer, she offers some insight into her work<br />
I’ve always loved gemstones. There’s<br />
just something magical about wearing<br />
a mineral that was created by Mother<br />
Nature over millions of years. In my forties,<br />
my passion was so intense, I became<br />
addicted to buying jewellery just so I<br />
could take a closer look! In 2017, after<br />
naively buying a glass ‘ruby’ on holiday,<br />
I took my hobby further and qualified as<br />
a gemologist with the world-renowned<br />
Gemological Institute of America (GIA).<br />
What is a gemologist? I hear you ask.<br />
Gemology is the identification of gemstones.<br />
It involves testing a gemstone with specialist<br />
equipment, which eventually gives you the<br />
necessary clues to make an identification. A<br />
gemologist can also assess synthetic versus<br />
natural gemstones.<br />
At its most basic, the rule of thumb is this:<br />
the rarer, the bigger and the more naturally<br />
beautiful a gemstone is, the more it will be<br />
worth. The problem is you cannot properly<br />
analyse a stone with the naked eye or<br />
gemologist’s loupe (magnifying glass). This is<br />
where the gem labs come in. In a laboratory,<br />
experts using high-tech equipment will be<br />
able to give you definitive information.<br />
A gemologist can also advise if a gemstone<br />
is imitating a more expensive gemstone. An<br />
imitation stone might be a less valuable semiprecious<br />
stone or it might simply be coloured<br />
glass. If I believe you have something valuable,<br />
I might suggest you seek further advice for<br />
insurance purposes.<br />
Is it a good idea to buy a gemstone as an<br />
investment? There is no simple answer to this<br />
and you should bear in mind all investments<br />
involve a degree of risk. Gemstones are hard<br />
assets. Historically, they have been seen as a<br />
hedge against inflation and the breakdown<br />
of more abstract forms of investment. Prices<br />
fluctuate, but over the long term, gemstones<br />
have risen in value significantly. So has the<br />
price of gold, which recently hit an alltime<br />
high.<br />
Caring for your gemstones and jewellery is<br />
important. Gemstones have different levels<br />
of hardness, so some can damage others<br />
if thrown together. Each piece of jewellery<br />
needs to have a separate compartment, with<br />
room for necklaces and bracelets to be fully<br />
laid out. This way you’ll avoid your favourite<br />
jewellery becoming tangled and scratched.<br />
When it comes to cleaning, you must know<br />
exactly what each gemstone is and what<br />
treatment it has undergone. Some gemstones<br />
can be irreparably damaged by harsh cleaning<br />
agents. Diamonds, sapphires and rubies are<br />
hard enough to be cleaned at home. To do<br />
this, mix distilled water with some mild soap<br />
and use a soft toothbrush to gently remove<br />
dirt. Dry and polish your gem with a soft, lintfree<br />
cloth to prevent water stains.<br />
For more information and to apply for<br />
Kim’s gemstone discovery tour, visit<br />
gemstonedetective.com<br />
To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 45<br />
A fun and informative<br />
book about the world<br />
of gemstones and<br />
jewellery by local<br />
gemologist Kim Rix.<br />
SPECIAL OFFER<br />
£3.50 plus P&P<br />
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Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts
46<br />
Behind<br />
the<br />
Wall<br />
s<br />
w<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
g<br />
Originally formed by<br />
neighbours living in<br />
Woodford Green, the<br />
Woodford Greeners was brought<br />
together in 2022 by a shared desire<br />
to see the outdoor spaces in our<br />
neighbourhood improved after<br />
being neglected for many years.<br />
Initially, volunteers tidied up planters filled<br />
with litter and weeds in Snakes Lane East and<br />
the surrounding roads, sprucing them up with<br />
flowers and plants they bought themselves.<br />
But after adopting more than 20 public beds,<br />
we made the request to Vision RCL for space<br />
in the walled garden in Ray Park so we could<br />
grow plants from seed and then transplant<br />
them out into the community.<br />
What started as a small, two-metre growing<br />
patch soon expanded, and we demonstrated<br />
our dedication to improving green spaces<br />
by clearing more than 180 square metres of<br />
nettles, brambles and poisonous hemlock<br />
that was filling much of the walled garden site<br />
at the time, as well as removing rubbish and<br />
scrap metal. We also raised funds for a gazebo<br />
to be installed, a water mains standpipe to<br />
be reinstated, plus a series of raised beds<br />
to be built and filled with dahlias and other<br />
perennial flowers for the public to come in<br />
and enjoy at weekends.<br />
Throughout summer 2023, the community<br />
garden was host to a number of free<br />
workshops, including a food-growing<br />
programme which will be returning as a<br />
free monthly session on Saturday mornings<br />
throughout <strong>2024</strong>.<br />
All this activity caught the attention of local<br />
councillors, who have thrown their support<br />
behind the Woodford Greeners and agreed<br />
to clear the rest of the site of old skips and<br />
rubbish that have been stored there for more<br />
than 10 years. Over the last couple of months,<br />
contractors have been bringing in machinery<br />
to take it all away, as well as clear large<br />
amounts of brambles, freeing up more space<br />
for the community garden to expand.<br />
We also received more good news this year<br />
after discovering we had been selected to<br />
receive a Flagship ‘Our Space Award’ of more<br />
than £18,000 from Groundwork to develop<br />
this new area of the walled garden and install<br />
more crucial resources and infrastructure for<br />
the local community to use. This funding will<br />
also enable us to run free workshops at the<br />
garden again throughout summer <strong>2024</strong>, so<br />
keep your eyes peeled for announcements on<br />
the Woodford Greeners website for our latest<br />
events and opportunities.<br />
For more information on the Woodford<br />
Greeners and the workshops taking place<br />
in the walled garden, visit swvg.co.uk/wg<br />
To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
v<br />
a<br />
v<br />
g<br />
w<br />
<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 47<br />
a<br />
Community gardening group<br />
the Woodford Greeners has<br />
been incredibly busy over the<br />
last year after being granted<br />
access to the walled garden in<br />
Ray Park. Lydia Fraser-Ward reports.<br />
Photos by Geoff Wilkinson<br />
ga<br />
w<br />
Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts
48<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
Join us us for Care Home Open Week<br />
Monday 24th 24th <strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>Jun</strong>e<br />
Meet Meet the the team team and and tour tour the the<br />
home home at at our our Cheese Cheese and and Wine Wine<br />
evening. evening.<br />
Tuesday 25th 25th <strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>Jun</strong>e<br />
Craft Craft Fair Fair with with local local stalls stalls and and<br />
sellers sellers<br />
6.30PM<br />
3-6PM<br />
Wednesday 26th 26th <strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>Jun</strong>e<br />
Gentle exercise class with Activelee,<br />
Gentle exercise class with Activelee, 11AM<br />
come come and and join join us us for for a free free lunch lunch<br />
afterwards<br />
afterwards<br />
Thursday 27th 27th <strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>Jun</strong>e<br />
Open day all day with talks<br />
Open day all day with talks OPEN<br />
about about Wills, Wills, POA, POA, Hearing Hearing health, health, ALL ALL DAY DAY<br />
and and how how to to fund fund care care from from 4pm 4pm<br />
63<br />
63<br />
Cambridge<br />
Cambridge<br />
Park<br />
Park<br />
Wanstead,<br />
Wanstead,<br />
London<br />
London<br />
E11<br />
E11<br />
2PR<br />
2PR<br />
chestnut@westgatehc.co.uk<br />
chestnut@westgatehc.co.uk<br />
chestnutmanorcarehome<br />
chestnutmanorcarehome<br />
www.westgatehc.co.uk<br />
www.westgatehc.co.uk<br />
Friday 28th 28th <strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>Jun</strong>e<br />
Join<br />
Join<br />
us<br />
us<br />
for<br />
for<br />
an<br />
an<br />
end-of-week<br />
end-of-week<br />
Wimbledon themed party with live 4-6PM<br />
Wimbledon themed party with live<br />
music<br />
music<br />
and<br />
and<br />
afternoon<br />
afternoon<br />
tea<br />
tea<br />
To To book your your place, or or to to find find out out more information,<br />
e-mail or or call call the the team on on 0203871 6070<br />
Woodford<br />
Anagram<br />
Puzzle<br />
WHERE IN WOODFORD?<br />
The village<br />
sign has been<br />
replaced with<br />
the anagram<br />
of a location<br />
or landmark<br />
in Woodford.<br />
Clue:<br />
A checkup<br />
is<br />
underway<br />
on this raised lane.<br />
Answer on page 18<br />
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www.skintap.co.uk<br />
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96 George Lane, E18 1AD<br />
To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 49<br />
IS FEELING DEPRESSED, ANXIOUS OR<br />
STRESSED ALL TOO FAMILIAR?<br />
Are you seeking to move beyond negative habits but don’t know how?<br />
Is now the time to seek professional help?<br />
Whether it’s immediate, short-term counselling help<br />
you need or long-awaited changes you’ve been<br />
hoping to realise for some time, I’m here to<br />
help. In-person, online and walk’n’talk sessions<br />
in Victoria Park available Mon to Fri, 9am–9pm.<br />
FREE 15 MIN<br />
CONSULTATION<br />
DEPRESSION • ANXIETY • STRESS • LOW MOOD • ANGER<br />
COUPLES IN CONFLICT • ABUSE • BEREAVEMENT AND MORE…<br />
Contact Dougie (in confidence)<br />
Significant awareness of cultural diversity and ethnicity.<br />
M: 07792 128 681 Free 15 min initial video or tel consultation<br />
E: counsellinghelps@gmail.com W: counsellinghelps.uk<br />
Let us climb<br />
the ladder!<br />
Gutter<br />
Cleaning<br />
Service<br />
Clogged gutters can lead to<br />
leaky roofs and water damage<br />
and attract pests.<br />
Dedicated to delivering a fast,<br />
reliable and friendly service at a<br />
competitive price.<br />
Call: 07956 343 785<br />
Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts
50<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
Writing History<br />
Ruth Rendell was best known for her crime novels featuring Chief<br />
Inspector Wexford. Less well known is that the author was born in<br />
South Woodford. Emily Allen explores the life of our local queen of crime<br />
Cosy crime and detective fiction is<br />
well and truly having a moment,<br />
with whodunnits by authors such as<br />
Richard Osman, Reverend Richard Coles<br />
and Janice Hallett selling by the millions.<br />
Yet, local lovers of crime fiction don’t have<br />
to look too far from home for a nearby link<br />
to the genre, as one of the 20th century’s<br />
most prolific crime fiction writers was born<br />
right on our doorstep.<br />
Ruth Rendell, née Grasemann, was born in<br />
South Woodford in 1930. Both her parents<br />
were teachers and she attended the County<br />
High School for Girls. After leaving school, she<br />
worked as a feature writer for the Chigwell<br />
Times, but was forced to resign after reporting<br />
on a local sports club dinner she hadn’t<br />
actually attended, and was therefore unaware<br />
that the after-dinner speaker had died midway<br />
through his speech!<br />
Following her marriage to Don Rendell, a<br />
reporter whom she met when they were both<br />
covering an inquest, and the birth of their son<br />
Simon three years later, Ruth set out to try<br />
her hand at fiction. Over the next few years,<br />
she wrote six crime novels, all of which were<br />
rejected by publishers. Her seventh, From<br />
Doon with Death, was accepted by John Long<br />
Publishing House and published in 1964, for<br />
which she received £75. Ruth’s inaugural novel<br />
also marks the first appearance of the popular<br />
character for whom she is perhaps best<br />
remembered: Chief Inspector Wexford.<br />
Chief Inspector Reginald Wexford lives in the<br />
fictional town of Kingsmarkham, Sussex, and<br />
solves the uncharacteristically high number of<br />
murders that befall the village. Over the next<br />
50 years, Ruth published 24 Inspector Wexford<br />
novels; the final title in the series, No Man’s<br />
Nightingale, was published in 2012, and sees<br />
Ruth Rendell (born<br />
17 February 1930,<br />
died 2 <strong>May</strong> 2015)<br />
Chief Inspector Wexford retired and acting as<br />
a police consultant. The novels’ rural village<br />
setting, clever plots and surprise endings have<br />
drawn parallels with Agatha Christie’s Poirot<br />
and Miss Marple and Dorothy L Sayers’s Lord<br />
Peter Wimsey novels.<br />
Ruth also published standalone psychological<br />
crime novels and thrillers to much acclaim,<br />
some under the pen name Barbara Vine,<br />
including A Judgement in Stone (1977) and<br />
A Sight for Sore Eyes (1998), and she set the last<br />
novel published in her lifetime, The Girl Next<br />
Door (2014), in Loughton.<br />
Ruth died in <strong>May</strong> 2015, only six months after<br />
the death of fellow crime writer PD James.<br />
The Ruth Rendell Award was introduced<br />
in 2016 by the National Literacy Trust and<br />
honours authors whose work influences and<br />
champions children’s literacy. Ruth’s novels,<br />
in particular her Inspector Wexford series, are<br />
some of the earliest works in today’s incredibly<br />
popular crime fiction category. So, the next<br />
time you curl up with a crime novel, you can<br />
be proud that a forerunner of this much-loved<br />
genre was one of South Woodford’s own.<br />
Emily Allen is a freelance writer. For more<br />
information, visit swvg.co.uk/allen<br />
To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 51<br />
AVON HOUSE<br />
PREPARATORY SCHOOL<br />
Independent Prep School For Children Aged 3-11 Years<br />
OPEN MORNING<br />
FRIDAY 24 TH MAY AT 9AM<br />
• Small Class Sizes<br />
• Specialist Subject Teachers<br />
• Extensive Sports Facilities<br />
• Co-Curricular Clubs<br />
• Qualified School Nurse<br />
• SENCO Support<br />
• School Counsellor<br />
• Wraparound Care<br />
• Holiday Clubs<br />
Newly Refurbed Nursery Play Area / Nursery Morning Only Sessions Now Available<br />
September <strong>2024</strong> Fees from £3,800 per term / £11,400 annual<br />
admissions@ahsprep.co.uk / 020 8504 1749<br />
490-492 High Road, Woodford Green, IG8 0PN<br />
www.avonhouseschool.co.uk<br />
Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts
52<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
BELGRAVE MOTOR<br />
SERVICES LIMITED EST 1994<br />
We are a family run business and have<br />
been established for almost 30 years.<br />
MOT TESTS<br />
ONLY £43<br />
Donate a tin to<br />
the food bank<br />
and save £1.50<br />
on your service<br />
SPECIAL OFFER<br />
for vehicles up to 1.6cc Petrol<br />
BRONZE SERVICE £90 inc VAT<br />
(MOT £39 extra if required<br />
SILVER SERVICE £119.75 inc VAT<br />
(MOT £30 extra if required)<br />
GOLD SERVICE £165.24 inc VAT<br />
(MOT £25 extra if required)<br />
WE ARE ONE OF THE FEW GARAGES WHERE<br />
CUSTOMERS CAN ACTUALLY SPEAK WITH<br />
THE TECHNICIAN WHO WILL BE WORKING<br />
ON THEIR VEHICLE.<br />
WE ARE PART OF THE MOTOR OMBUDSMAN AND<br />
REGULATED BY THEIR CODE OF PRACTICE.<br />
WE OFFER A ‘COLLECT AND DROP BACK’ SERVICE.<br />
(WITHIN A 3 MILE RADIUS)<br />
Call 020 8551 5988<br />
10 Gants Hill Crescent, off Cranbrook Road, Ilford<br />
Smart Heat<br />
Solutions<br />
Your Trusted Local Boiler Repairs<br />
& General Plumbing Specialists<br />
• Energy efficiency & how to<br />
lower your bills advice<br />
• Central Heating Installations<br />
• Ground Source Heat Pumps<br />
• Gas Safety Inspections<br />
• Landlord Safety Certificates<br />
0800 8247 989<br />
admin@smartheatsolutions.co.uk<br />
Accredited by<br />
To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 53<br />
Venues<br />
Let us find the<br />
Venues for every occassion:<br />
- Weddings<br />
- Parties<br />
- Team Building<br />
- Meetings<br />
- Conferences<br />
- Wakes<br />
Scan the QR Code<br />
and enquire about<br />
our venues.<br />
Find out more at:<br />
visionrcl.org.uk<br />
Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts
54<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 55<br />
Community events<br />
MUSICAL THEATRE<br />
FAMILY QUIZ<br />
Test your show tunes knowledge.<br />
Date: Sunday 5 <strong>May</strong> Time: 2.30–4.30pm<br />
Venue: Redbridge Drama Centre, E18 2RB<br />
Cost: £10 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/visionevents<br />
MAY<br />
5<br />
EDINBURGH FRINGE<br />
COMEDY PREVIEW<br />
Featuring Rob Auton and Sara Barron.<br />
Date: Sunday 5 <strong>May</strong> Time: 7–9pm<br />
Venue: Redbridge Drama Centre, E18 2RB<br />
Cost: £11.50 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/visionevents<br />
MAY<br />
5<br />
WANSTEAD & WOODFORD<br />
WEA FILM CLUB<br />
A screening of Anatomy of a Fall (2023).<br />
New members welcome.<br />
Date: Monday 6 <strong>May</strong> Time: 12.30pm<br />
Venue: Odeon, South Woodford, E18 2QL<br />
Cost: 20p plus the cinema’s usual charges<br />
Enquiries: weafilmclub18@gmail.com<br />
MAY<br />
6<br />
BEREAVEMENT CAFÉ<br />
AFTERNOON SESSION<br />
For people struggling with feelings of loss.<br />
Date: Tuesday 7 <strong>May</strong> Time: 2–3pm<br />
Venue: St Mary’s Church, South Woodford<br />
Cost: free Enquiries: 020 8505 3000<br />
MAY<br />
7<br />
What’s happening,<br />
what’s on and where...<br />
Are you organising an event?<br />
Let us know... events@swvg.co.uk<br />
Please note: all events are<br />
subject to change. Please<br />
check with the relevant<br />
organisers to confirm details.<br />
Booking may be required.<br />
SOUTH WOODFORD WARD<br />
COUNCILLOR SURGERY<br />
Councillors Joe Hehir, Beverley Brewer and<br />
Saiqa Qayum Hussain. Booking required.<br />
Repeated on 12 <strong>Jun</strong>e.<br />
Date: Wednesday 8 <strong>May</strong> Time: 6–7pm<br />
Venue: Salvation Army, 26 Daisy Road, E18 1EA<br />
Cost: free Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/councillors<br />
MAY<br />
8<br />
ELECTRONIC<br />
KEYBOARD CONCERT<br />
An East London and Essex Electronic Keyboard<br />
Club event featuring Chris Powell.<br />
Date: Wednesday 8 <strong>May</strong> Time: 7–10pm<br />
Venue: Wanstead Library, Spratt Hall Road<br />
Cost: £12; under-16s: £2 Enquiries: 020 8530 3717<br />
MAY<br />
8<br />
THE HISTORY OF<br />
SPITALFIELDS<br />
A talk by Jill Finch for the Woodford Historical<br />
Society. Visitors welcome.<br />
Date: Thursday 9 <strong>May</strong> Time: 2.30pm<br />
Venue: All Saints Church Hall, Woodford Green<br />
Cost: £3 Enquiries: woodfordhistoricalsociety.org<br />
MAY<br />
9<br />
SOUTH WOODFORD<br />
FIVE-MILE WALK<br />
A walk from the station – along tracks beside<br />
the River Roding – to Wanstead Park. Hosted<br />
by the West Essex Ramblers.<br />
Date: Friday 10 <strong>May</strong> Time: 10.30am–1pm<br />
Venue: meet at South Woodford Station<br />
Enquiries: west-essexramblers.org.uk<br />
MAY<br />
10<br />
FOOD GROWING<br />
WORKSHOP<br />
Learn what to plant now and how to prepare<br />
for the new growing season. Hosted by the<br />
Woodford Greeners.<br />
Date: Saturday 11 <strong>May</strong> Time: 10am–1pm<br />
Venue: Ray Park Community Garden, IG8 7JF<br />
Cost: free Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/greeners<br />
MAY<br />
11<br />
Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts
56<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
ELMHURST GARDENS<br />
ACTION DAY<br />
Planting flowers, weeding, watering, pruning,<br />
maintenance projects and litter picking.<br />
Date: Saturday 11 <strong>May</strong> Time: 11am–12pm<br />
Venue: Elmhurst Gardens, South Woodford<br />
Enquiries: parks.enquiries@visionrcl.org.uk<br />
MAY<br />
11<br />
RAIN GARDEN DESIGN AND<br />
POND IN A POT WORKSHOP<br />
Create a pond in a pot and learn the basics of<br />
creating a drainage system for a rain garden.<br />
Hosted by the Woodford Greeners.<br />
Date: Saturday 11 <strong>May</strong> Time: 12–4pm<br />
Venue: Ray Park Community Garden, IG8 7JF<br />
Cost: free Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/greeners<br />
MAY<br />
11<br />
OPEN WEEKEND AT THE<br />
TEMPLE IN WANSTEAD PARK<br />
Explore the park’s history in the visitor centre.<br />
Date: Saturday 11 to Sunday 12 <strong>May</strong> Time: 12–5pm<br />
Venue: the Temple, Wanstead Park, E11 2LT<br />
Cost: free Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/temple<br />
MAY<br />
11<br />
EAST LONDON ME/CFS<br />
SUPPORT GROUP<br />
Conversation, information and support.<br />
Date: Saturday 11 <strong>May</strong> Time: 2.30–5pm<br />
Venue: Wanstead House, 21 The Green, E11 2NT<br />
Cost: by donation Enquiries: 07957 152 566<br />
MAY<br />
11<br />
WANSTEAD PARK<br />
LITTER PICK<br />
Hosted by the Friends of Wanstead Parklands.<br />
Date: Sunday 12 <strong>May</strong> Time: 11am<br />
Venue: the Temple, Wanstead Park, E11 2LT<br />
Cost: free Enquiries: wansteadpark.org.uk<br />
MAY<br />
12<br />
HOW SACRED<br />
ARE THE DEAD?<br />
A lecture by Professor Ronald Hutton for<br />
the West Essex Archaeological Group,<br />
discussing attitudes towards human remains.<br />
Visitors welcome.<br />
Date: Monday 13 <strong>May</strong> Time: 7.30pm<br />
Venue: Woodford County High School, IG8 9LA<br />
Cost: free Enquiries: weag.org.uk<br />
MAY<br />
13<br />
OPEN DAY<br />
12 MAY <strong>2024</strong> 12PM – 4PM<br />
TRY BOWLS<br />
FOR FUN<br />
FLAT SHOES REQUIRED<br />
FREE PARKING • CREAM TEAS • CLUB BAR<br />
NEW MEMBERS WELCOME<br />
CLUB HOUSE AVAILABLE FOR HIRE<br />
Overton Drive (within golf club), Wanstead, E11 2LW<br />
For further details, please visit www.wansteadbowlingclub.wordpress.com<br />
To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 57<br />
MRS MINIVER: FROM MANOR<br />
PARK TO HOLLYWOOD<br />
A talk about actress Greer Garson (born in<br />
Manor Park on 29 September 1904) by Janet<br />
Seward for the Wanstead Historical Society.<br />
Date: Monday 13 <strong>May</strong> Time: 8pm<br />
Venue: Wanstead Library, Spratt Hall Road<br />
Cost: £3 Enquiries: 07949 026 212<br />
MAY<br />
13<br />
WILDLIFE OF<br />
SOUTHERN AFRICA<br />
A talk for the North East London Local Group<br />
of the RSPB by Ben Chapple.<br />
Date: Tuesday 14 <strong>May</strong> Time: 8pm<br />
Venue: St Mary’s Church, South Woodford<br />
Cost: £4.50 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/rspb<br />
MAY<br />
14<br />
REDBRIDGE MUSIC<br />
SOCIETY RECITAL<br />
Featuring guitarist Adam Brown.<br />
Date: Tuesday 14 <strong>May</strong> Time: 8pm<br />
Venue: Wanstead Library, Spratt Hall Road<br />
Cost: £12; members: £8 Enquiries: 07380 606 767<br />
MAY<br />
14<br />
THE BICENTENNIAL OF THE<br />
NATIONAL GALLERY<br />
A talk by Lydia Bauman for The Arts Society,<br />
Woodford Green. Visitors welcome.<br />
Date: Tuesday 14 <strong>May</strong> Time: 8pm<br />
Venue: Bancroft’s School, High Road, IG8 0RF<br />
Cost: donation Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/artssociety<br />
MAY<br />
14<br />
OPEN TABLE AT<br />
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH<br />
Join a community meal open to all.<br />
No booking required.<br />
Date: Wednesday 15 <strong>May</strong> Time: 5.30–7.30pm<br />
Venue: Holy Trinity Church, Hermon Hill, E18 1QQ<br />
Cost: free Enquiries: htsw.org.uk<br />
MAY<br />
15<br />
HAVEN HOUSE SPARKLE<br />
WALK <strong>2024</strong><br />
Haven House’s annual charity walk around<br />
Wanstead, Woodford and South Woodford.<br />
Date: Friday 17 <strong>May</strong> Time: 6–10pm<br />
Venue: meet next to Christ Church, Wanstead<br />
Cost: £10 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/sparkle24<br />
MAY<br />
17<br />
EVE WRIGHT SCHOOL OF DANCING<br />
Come dance with us<br />
BALLROOM, LATIN AND SEQUENCE DANCE STYLES<br />
TEA DANCES: EVERY WEDNESDAY FROM 1.15PM<br />
CLASSES:<br />
enquiries@stereodancingsounds.co.uk<br />
Call: 07711 718 789<br />
EVERY THURSDAY EVENING<br />
7.15PM: NEW DANCERS<br />
8PM: IMPROVERS<br />
ISTD FULLY QUALIFIED TEACHERS<br />
stereodancingsounds.co.uk<br />
ALL HELD AT WANSTEAD HOUSE, E11 2NT<br />
Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts
58<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
LAUGHTER IN ONE ACT<br />
(OR LESS!)<br />
Amateur dramatics company WOADS returns<br />
to the stage for an evening of one-act plays<br />
and monologues. Sunday matinée at 2pm.<br />
Date: Friday 17 to Sunday 19 <strong>May</strong> Time: 7–9pm<br />
Venue: Redbridge Drama Centre, E18 2RB<br />
Cost: £15.50 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/visionevents<br />
MAY<br />
17<br />
MENTAL HEALTH<br />
AWARENESS WEEK: ZUMBA<br />
Date: Saturday 18 <strong>May</strong> Time: 9.30–10.30am<br />
Venue: Wanstead Leisure Centre, E11 2JZ<br />
Cost: free Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/visionevents<br />
MAY<br />
18<br />
FOOD, FUN AND<br />
CRAFT MARKET<br />
An array of handmade products from local<br />
traders. Plus, face painting, bouncy castles,<br />
entertainment and tours of the church tower.<br />
Date: Saturday 18 <strong>May</strong> Time: 10am–2pm<br />
Venue: Woodford Memorial Hall, E18 2PA<br />
Cost: free Enquiries: woodfordcraftmarket.co.uk<br />
MAY<br />
18<br />
LOCAL MAKERS<br />
MARKET<br />
Handmade products from local designermakers.<br />
Including screen prints, ceramics,<br />
jewellery, homewares and textiles.<br />
Date: Saturday 18 <strong>May</strong> Time: 11am–4.30pm<br />
Venue: Christ Church Hall, E11 2SW<br />
Cost: free entry Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/makers<br />
MAY<br />
18<br />
RAY PARK<br />
ACTION DAY<br />
Planting flowers, weeding, watering, pruning,<br />
maintenance projects and litter picking.<br />
Date: Saturday 18 <strong>May</strong> Time: 1.30–4.30pm<br />
Venue: Ray Park, Woodford Green, IG8 7JF<br />
Enquiries: parks.enquiries@visionrcl.org.uk<br />
MAY<br />
18<br />
SOUTH WOODFORD<br />
COMMUNITY MARKET<br />
Monthly market offering a range of products.<br />
Date: Sunday 19 <strong>May</strong> Time: 11am–4pm<br />
Venue: George Lane, South Woodford<br />
Enquiries: aceeventsltd.co.uk<br />
MAY<br />
19<br />
SOUTH WOODFORD SOCIETY<br />
LITTER PICK<br />
Repeated on 23 <strong>Jun</strong>e.<br />
Date: Sunday 19 <strong>May</strong> Time: 11am–1pm<br />
Venue: Community Orchard, South Woodford<br />
Cost: free Enquiries: e18society@gmail.com<br />
MAY<br />
19<br />
GARDENING SESSION<br />
AT THE ORCHARD<br />
Help lay woodchip paths around the orchard<br />
to improve access.<br />
Date: Sunday 19 <strong>May</strong> Time: 11am–1pm<br />
Venue: Community Orchard, South Woodford<br />
Cost: free Enquiries: southwoodfordsociety.org<br />
MAY<br />
19<br />
SOUTH WOODFORD<br />
JUMBLE TRAIL<br />
Check the online map of stalls and explore<br />
the local streets to discover hidden treasures.<br />
Stallholders must register by 17 <strong>May</strong> (£5).<br />
Date: Sunday 19 <strong>May</strong> Time: 12–4pm<br />
Venue: across South Woodford<br />
Cost: free Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/trail24<br />
MAY<br />
19<br />
GREAT SOLAR<br />
ECLIPSES<br />
A North East London Astronomical Society talk<br />
by Jerry Workman and Steve Karpel.<br />
Date: Sunday 19 <strong>May</strong> Time: 1.30pm<br />
Venue: Wanstead House, 21 The Green, E11 2NT<br />
Cost: £3 Enquiries: stevek1951@hotmail.com<br />
MAY<br />
19<br />
THE WOODFORD SINGERS:<br />
LIVING LANDSCAPES<br />
The Woodford Singers will be performing a<br />
programme inspired by landscapes.<br />
Date: Sunday 19 <strong>May</strong> Time: 5pm<br />
Venue: St Gabriel’s Church, Aldersbrook, E12 5HH<br />
Cost: £10 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/ws19may<br />
MAY<br />
19<br />
FLOWER ARRANGING<br />
DEMONSTRATION<br />
Kathy Stangaard presents to the Woodford<br />
and District Floral Arrangement Group.<br />
Date: Monday 20 <strong>May</strong> Time: 7.30–9.45pm<br />
Venue: Wanstead Library, Spratt Hall Road<br />
Cost: £9 Enquiries: 020 8508 9765<br />
MAY<br />
20<br />
To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 59<br />
Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts
60<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
ARCHAEOLOGY<br />
IN ESSEX<br />
A talk by Simon Coxall for the Woodford and<br />
District Centre of the National Trust.<br />
Date: Wednesday 22 <strong>May</strong> Time: 2.30pm<br />
Venue: All Saints Church Hall, Woodford Green<br />
Cost: £3 Enquiries: 07774 164 407<br />
MAY<br />
22<br />
WHERE’S<br />
MRS LADYBIRD?<br />
A live hide-and-seek story for children. Various<br />
shows throughout the day.<br />
Date: Friday 24 <strong>May</strong> Time: 10.30am<br />
Venue: Redbridge Drama Centre, E18 2RB<br />
Cost: £5 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/visionevents<br />
MAY<br />
24<br />
SHINE FOSTERING FRIDAY<br />
COFFEE MORNING<br />
Find out more about fostering.<br />
Date: Friday 24 <strong>May</strong> Time: 11am–1pm<br />
Venue: Shine Fostering, 109 George Lane<br />
Cost: free Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/shinefostering<br />
MAY<br />
24<br />
ELMER DAY:<br />
BOOK SWAP<br />
To mark Elmer the Elephant’s 35th birthday.<br />
Date: Saturday 25 <strong>May</strong> Time: 10.30am–4.30pm<br />
Venue: Wanstead Library, Spratt Hall Road<br />
Cost: free Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/visionevents<br />
MAY<br />
25<br />
RED RIDING HOOD AT<br />
REDBRIDGE DRAMA CENTRE<br />
A play designed to open up the world of<br />
books to young audiences. Presented by<br />
Booster Cushion Theatre.<br />
Date: Thursday 30 <strong>May</strong> Time: 11–11.50am<br />
Venue: Redbridge Drama Centre, E18 2RB<br />
Cost: £7.50 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/visionevents<br />
MAY<br />
30<br />
WE’LL ALWAYS<br />
HAVE PARIS<br />
The Highams Players present a feel-good play<br />
with laughter and tears.<br />
Date: Thursday 30 <strong>May</strong> to Saturday 1 <strong>Jun</strong>e<br />
Time: 8pm (2pm and 7pm on Saturday)<br />
Venue: Wanstead House, 21 The Green, E11 2NT<br />
Cost: £10; children: £5 Enquiries: 020 8924 6987<br />
MAY<br />
30<br />
WANSTEAD<br />
VINTAGE FAIR<br />
Including fashion, jewellery, accessories,<br />
homewares, books, prints, furniture, textiles,<br />
vinyl and more.<br />
Date: Saturday 1 <strong>Jun</strong>e Time: 10.30am–4.30pm<br />
Venue: Wanstead United Reformed Church<br />
Cost: £3 Enquiries: wansteadvintage.com<br />
JUN<br />
1<br />
WANSTEAD<br />
COMMUNITY MARKET<br />
Date: Sunday 2 <strong>Jun</strong>e Time: 10am–4pm<br />
Venue: Wanstead High Street<br />
JUN<br />
2<br />
NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME<br />
IN SOUTH WOODFORD<br />
Explore this old-fashioned summer garden<br />
with a small orchard and two ponds (one for<br />
wildlife and one for goldfish). Open to the<br />
public in aid of charity.<br />
Date: Sunday 2 <strong>Jun</strong>e Time: 1–5pm<br />
Venue: 68 Derby Road, South Woodford, E18 2PS<br />
Cost: £4 Enquiries: ngs.org.uk<br />
JUN<br />
2<br />
EDINBURGH FRINGE<br />
COMEDY PREVIEW<br />
Featuring Chloe Petts and Garret Millerick.<br />
Date: Sunday 2 <strong>Jun</strong>e Time: 7–9pm<br />
Venue: Redbridge Drama Centre, E18 2RB<br />
Cost: £11.50 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/visionevents<br />
JUN<br />
2<br />
WANSTEAD & WOODFORD<br />
WEA FILM CLUB<br />
A screening of Saltburn (<strong>2024</strong>). Non-members<br />
may join the club at any film screening.<br />
Date: Monday 3 <strong>Jun</strong>e Time: 12.30pm<br />
Venue: Odeon, South Woodford, E18 2QL<br />
Cost: 20p plus the cinema’s usual charges<br />
Enquiries: weafilmclub18@gmail.com<br />
JUN<br />
3<br />
CHURCHFIELDS SCHOOL<br />
REUNION: 150 YEARS<br />
Former pupils, members of staff and<br />
governors are invited to attend.<br />
Date: Saturday 8 <strong>Jun</strong>e Time: from 11am<br />
Venue: Churchfields, South Woodford, E18 2RB<br />
Cost: free Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/c150<br />
JUN<br />
8<br />
To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 61<br />
NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME<br />
IN WOODFORD GREEN<br />
Explore this long and very green suburban<br />
garden sloping down from the back of the<br />
house towards the mature trees of Epping<br />
Forest. Open to the public in aid of charity.<br />
Date: Sunday 9 <strong>Jun</strong>e Time: 2–5pm<br />
Venue: 42 Keynsham Avenue, IG8 9SZ<br />
Cost: £4 Enquiries: ngs.org.uk<br />
JUN<br />
9<br />
BIRDING IN<br />
MOROCCO<br />
A talk for the North East London Local Group<br />
of the RSPB by Richard Bashford.<br />
Date: Tuesday 11 <strong>Jun</strong>e Time: 8pm<br />
Venue: St Mary’s Church, South Woodford<br />
Cost: £4.50 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/rspb<br />
JUN<br />
11<br />
SOUTH WOODFORD<br />
COMMUNITY MARKET<br />
Date: Sunday 16 <strong>Jun</strong>e Time: 11am–4pm<br />
Venue: George Lane, South Woodford<br />
Enquiries: aceeventsltd.co.uk<br />
JUN<br />
16<br />
OAKDALE INFANT & JUNIOR<br />
SCHOOL SUMMER FETE<br />
Stalls, food, games, live DJ and more.<br />
Date: Saturday 22 <strong>Jun</strong>e Time: 12–4pm<br />
Venue: Oakdale School, South Woodford, E18 1JX<br />
Cost: free Enquiries: 020 8989 7471<br />
JUN<br />
22<br />
WANSTEAD PARK<br />
WILDLIFE WEEKEND<br />
A weekend of activities and events, with<br />
live animals on display. Hosted by the Wren<br />
Wildlife Group.<br />
Date: Saturday 22 to Sunday 23 <strong>Jun</strong>e<br />
Venue: Wanstead Park, E11 2LT<br />
Cost: free Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/wren<br />
JUN<br />
JUN<br />
30<br />
22<br />
FOREST PHILHARMONIC<br />
ORCHESTRA CONCERT<br />
Forest Philharmonic plays Sibelius, Bacewicz<br />
and Delibes.<br />
Date: Sunday 30 <strong>Jun</strong>e Time: 6.30pm<br />
Venue: St Gabriel’s Church, Aldersbrook, E12 5HH<br />
Cost: £18 Enquiries: swvg.co.uk/fpevents<br />
MagiKats Woodford<br />
magikats.co.uk/woodford<br />
Call: 0208 150 7174<br />
Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts
62<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
Local community groups<br />
FRIENDS OF WANSTEAD PARKLANDS<br />
Researching and promoting Wanstead Park.<br />
Visit wansteadpark.org.uk<br />
NCT REDBRIDGE & DISTRICT<br />
Offering support and information to parents<br />
and parents-to-be. Call 0300 330 0700<br />
ROTARY CLUB OF LEYTONSTONE<br />
AND WOODFORD<br />
Meeting every Thursday at 6.30pm at The<br />
Royal Oak, Chingford. Call 020 3597 2921<br />
SCOTTISH DANCING FOR FUN<br />
Mondays from 8pm at St Barnabas Church.<br />
No partners needed. Call 020 8504 3376<br />
SOUTH WOODFORD BUSINESS FORUM<br />
Quarterly meetings providing a voice for<br />
South Woodford’s businesses and networking<br />
opportunities. Visit swvg.co.uk/swbf<br />
Creative<br />
Giftware<br />
A family business based in Wanstead, specialising in<br />
embroidered homeware and gifts for all occasions<br />
Call: 0208 530 1244<br />
84 Nightingale Lane, Wanstead, E11 2EZ<br />
SOUTH WOODFORD GARDENERS<br />
Tending to and improving the flower beds<br />
across the local area. Visit swvg.co.uk/swg<br />
SOUTH WOODFORD SOCIETY<br />
Making South Woodford a better place to live.<br />
Visit southwoodfordsociety.org<br />
ST BARNABAS CHURCH LUNCHEON CLUB<br />
Every Friday, 12 noon to 2pm at St Barnabas<br />
Church Hall, 127 Snakes Lane East. All over-55s<br />
welcome. Cost: £4. Call 020 8491 1134<br />
ULTRASOUND CHOIR<br />
Female choir singing a wide repertoire every<br />
Tuesday at Derby Road Methodist Church<br />
from 7.30pm. Call 07799 196 241<br />
WANSTEAD AND WOODFORD BLIND CLUB<br />
Social club for people with sight problems<br />
meeting Thursday afternoons (2pm to 4pm) in<br />
South Woodford. Call 07840 850 838<br />
WANSTEAD AND WOODFORD<br />
CENTENARY FILM CLUB<br />
Meets on the first Monday of each month<br />
(except August), 12.30pm at the Odeon, South<br />
Woodford (the cinema’s usual charges apply).<br />
Email weafilmclub18@gmail.com<br />
WEST ESSEX RAMBLERS<br />
Local walks every week. Visit swvg.co.uk/wer<br />
WOODFORD AND WANSTEAD<br />
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY<br />
Meeting virtually or at Wanstead House every<br />
Monday. Visit swvg.co.uk/wwps<br />
WOODFORD ARTS GROUP<br />
All Woodford-based artists are welcome to<br />
apply to join. Visit swvg.co.uk/wag<br />
WOODFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY<br />
Stimulating interest in the history of the local<br />
area. Visit woodfordhistoricalsociety.org<br />
WREN WILDLIFE GROUP<br />
Wildlife conservation. Visit wrengroup.org.uk<br />
To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 63<br />
Sylvestrian Leisure Centre presents:<br />
isure Centre<br />
HA YOGA<br />
ASSES<br />
OFF AND TAKE CARE<br />
YOURSELF!<br />
es FREE this month by<br />
h our reception team.<br />
HATHA YOGA<br />
CLASSES<br />
TAKE TIME OFF AND<br />
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!<br />
FOR FOR MORE MORE INFORMATION INFORMATION CONTACT CONTACT US: US:<br />
020 8509 6526<br />
ENQUIRIES@SYLVESTRIAN-LEISURE.CO.UK<br />
020 FOR 8509 MORE 6526 INFORMATION CONTACT US:<br />
ENQUIRIES@SYLVESTRIAN-LEISURE.CO.UK<br />
020 FOR 8509 MORE 6526 INFORMATION CONTACT US:<br />
ENQUIRIES@SYLVESTRIAN-LEISURE.CO.UK<br />
020 8509 6526<br />
ENQUIRIES@SYLVESTRIAN-LEISURE.CO.UK<br />
NORMAL CHARGES APPLY FROM THE 1ST MAY <strong>2024</strong><br />
NORMAL CHARGES APPLY FROM THE 1ST MAY <strong>2024</strong><br />
NORMAL CHARGES APPLY FROM THE 1ST MAY <strong>2024</strong><br />
NORMAL CHARGES APPLY FROM THE 1ST MAY <strong>2024</strong><br />
Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts
64<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
Useful numbers<br />
ADVICE & SUPPORT<br />
Citizens Advice Redbridge 0808 278 7872<br />
National Debtline 0808 808 4000<br />
Samaritans116 123<br />
HEALTH<br />
NHS 111 111<br />
Whipps Cross Hospital 020 8539 5522<br />
Shrubberies Medical Centre 020 8530 4108<br />
Glebelands Practice 020 8989 6272<br />
South Woodford Health Centre 020 8491 3333<br />
Elmhurst Practice 020 8491 3310<br />
The Broadway Surgery 020 8505 3204<br />
Southdene Surgery 020 8530 3731<br />
Out of hours GP 020 3770 1888<br />
LEISURE & LIBRARIES<br />
South Woodford Library & Gym 020 8708 9067<br />
Woodford Green Library 020 8708 7444<br />
Wanstead Library 020 8708 7400<br />
Wanstead Leisure Centre 020 8989 1172<br />
in South Woodford<br />
LOCAL COUNCILLORS South Woodford ward<br />
Beverley Brewer (Lab) 020 8554 5000<br />
beverley.brewer@redbridge.gov.uk<br />
Joe Hehir (Lab) 07741 904 709<br />
joe.hehir@redbridge.gov.uk<br />
Saiqa Qayum Hussain (Lab) 07918 277 502<br />
saiqa.qayum@redbridge.gov.uk<br />
LOCAL COUNCILLORS Churchfields ward<br />
Lloyd Duddridge (Lab) 07799 579 763<br />
lloyd.duddridge@redbridge.gov.uk<br />
Rosa Gomez (Lab) 07799 057 030<br />
rosa.gomez@redbridge.gov.uk<br />
Guy Williams (Lab) 07918 278 865<br />
guy.williams@redbridge.gov.uk<br />
LOCAL MP Chingford and Woodford Green<br />
Iain Duncan Smith MP 020 7219 3000<br />
iainduncansmith.org.uk<br />
Room 22<br />
A treasure trove of<br />
gifts and ladies’ wear<br />
and accessories, plus a<br />
picture framing service.<br />
22 Electric Parade, George Lane<br />
020 8989 6669<br />
room22uk@gmail.com<br />
LOCAL MP Ilford North<br />
Wes Streeting MP 020 3475 7901<br />
wesstreeting.org<br />
LOCAL MP Leyton and Wanstead<br />
John Cryer MP 020 8989 5249<br />
johncryermp.co.uk<br />
POLICE & NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH<br />
Emergency 999<br />
Non-emergency 101<br />
Crimestoppers0800 555 111<br />
SNTsntji-south-woodford@met.police.uk<br />
SNTsntji-churchfields@met.police.uk<br />
REDBRIDGE COUNCIL<br />
Customer contact centre 020 8554 5000<br />
Report antisocial behaviour 020 8478 4679<br />
UTILITIES<br />
Electricity (power cut) 105<br />
Electricity emergency 0800 40 40 90<br />
Gas emergency0800 111 999<br />
Thames Water (report a leak)0800 714 614<br />
To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 65<br />
Independent Co-educational Day School For 3 - 11 Years<br />
OPEN AFTERNOON<br />
Friday 10th <strong>May</strong> <strong>2024</strong><br />
1.30pm - 3.00pm<br />
Register interest at<br />
www.wgprep.co.uk<br />
Assisted places available from 7+<br />
EXCELLENT<br />
IN ALL AREAS<br />
(Inspection <strong>Jun</strong>e 2023)<br />
Tel: 0208 504 5045<br />
Email: admissions@wgprep.co.uk www.wgprep.co.uk<br />
Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts
66<br />
ARCHITECT<br />
LOUD Architects42<br />
BARBERS<br />
Agy’s Barber Shop18<br />
BATHROOMS<br />
Bathworks 25<br />
BEAUTY<br />
Skintap48<br />
BUILDERS<br />
North London Loft Rooms 9<br />
CARPENTRY & JOINERY<br />
K&D Joinery 23<br />
Woodthorpe Joinery2<br />
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES<br />
Family Fair 22<br />
COMMUNITY & GROUPS<br />
South Woodford Society37<br />
COUNSELLING<br />
Counselling Helps49<br />
CULTURAL EXCHANGE<br />
The Hilse 6<br />
DANCE<br />
Eve Wright School of Dancing57<br />
DECORATORS<br />
Decorating Spaces7<br />
E18 Handyman18<br />
Stuart Green Property Solutions14<br />
DENTIST<br />
Smile in London 28–29<br />
Woodford House68<br />
DOORS<br />
K&D Joinery 23<br />
ELDERLY CARE<br />
Chestnut Manor Care Home48<br />
EMBROIDERY<br />
Creative Giftware62<br />
ESTATE AGENTS<br />
Churchill Estates34–35<br />
The Stow Brothers 67<br />
Yellands45<br />
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES<br />
Beauty And The Beast 59<br />
Chestnut Manor Care Home48<br />
Hitchcock Talks & Tours 11<br />
Laughter in One Act (or less!)54<br />
The Gondoliers 32<br />
Wanstead Bowling Club 56<br />
South Woodford Village Gazette<br />
– Index of advertisers –<br />
FENCING<br />
Lancasters Gardencare19<br />
FITNESS<br />
Dodgy Tickers Fitness12<br />
Sylvestrian Leisure Centre 63<br />
FUNERAL DIRECTORS<br />
Compassionate Funerals 4<br />
FUNFAIR<br />
Family Fair 22<br />
GARAGE SERVICES<br />
Belgrave Motor Services 52<br />
Woodbridge Autos 43<br />
GARDENS & LANDSCAPING<br />
Lancasters Gardencare19<br />
GIFTS<br />
Creative Giftware62<br />
Room 2264<br />
GUTTER CLEARING<br />
Gutter Cleaning Services49<br />
HAIRDRESSERS<br />
Carmen10<br />
HANDYMAN<br />
E18 Handyman18<br />
Stuart Green Property Solutions14<br />
HOLIDAY PROPERTIES<br />
Dovehouse Developments45<br />
JEWELLERY<br />
Gemstone Detective45<br />
LOFTS<br />
North London Loft Rooms 9<br />
MOT<br />
Belgrave Motor Services 52<br />
Woodbridge Autos 43<br />
OPTICIANS<br />
Bayfields Opticians & Audiologists5<br />
PHOTOGRAPHY<br />
Geoff Wilkinson21<br />
PLUMBING & HEATING<br />
Rightio Plumbing & Heating42<br />
Smart Heat Solutions 52<br />
PRINTERS<br />
City Copy Centre14<br />
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE<br />
E18 Handyman18<br />
Gutter Cleaning Services49<br />
North London Loft Rooms 9<br />
Stuart Green Property Solutions14<br />
PROPERTY SERVICES<br />
Churchill Estates34–35<br />
The Stow Brothers 67<br />
Yellands45<br />
RECRUITMENT<br />
Public Sector Recruitment 8<br />
RESTAURANT & CAFÉS<br />
Robins Pie & Mash33<br />
SCHOOLS & NURSERIES<br />
Avon House Preparatory School51<br />
Loyola Preparatory School38–39<br />
Woodford Green Prep School 65<br />
SHOWERS<br />
Bathworks 25<br />
SOLICITORS<br />
Barretts Law15<br />
Edwards Duthie Shamash31<br />
SPORT & LEISURE<br />
Dodgy Tickers Fitness12<br />
Sylvestrian Leisure Centre 63<br />
Wanstead Bowling Club 56<br />
STAIRS<br />
K&D Joinery 23<br />
STORAGE<br />
BWI Self Storage13<br />
SUIT HIRE<br />
Mode London21<br />
THEATRE<br />
Beauty And The Beast 59<br />
Laughter in One Act (or less!)54<br />
The Gondoliers 32<br />
TOURS<br />
Hitchcock Talks & Tours 11<br />
TUITION & COURSES<br />
Kumon 4<br />
MagiKats61<br />
VENUE HIRE<br />
Vision RCL Venues 53<br />
Wanstead Bowling Club 56<br />
WARDROBES<br />
Woodthorpe Joinery2<br />
WINDOW RESTORATION<br />
McCarty & Smith 1<br />
WINDOW SHUTTERS<br />
Woodthorpe Joinery2<br />
YOGA<br />
Sylvestrian Leisure Centre 63<br />
To advertise, call 020 8819 0595 or visit swvg.co.uk
<strong>May</strong> /<strong>Jun</strong>e <strong>2024</strong> 67<br />
CONTACT US NOW FOR YOUR FREE VALUATION<br />
SOUTH WOODFORD → 136 GEORGE LANE E18 1AY<br />
hello18@stowbrothers.com 0203 369 1818<br />
FOLLOW US: ➻ @STOWBROTHERS ➻ STOWBROTHERS.COM<br />
Please mention the South Woodford Village Gazette when responding to adverts
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Independent directory of businesses, news and events in and around South Woodford